MICHAEL O’Leary was taking no nonsense at Monday’s press conference to announce details of the €100,000 Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday. The airline chief made it clear at the outset that this was a racing gig and he would not be fielding any questions on the proposed Aer Lingus takeover.

Eventually the news hacks appeared to wear him down and he reiterated his position on the hot topic of the day. Pressed further for his advice to the Cabinet on how to handle the sale, an exasperated O’Leary said: “I would strongly urge Ministers Coveney and Noonan and the Taoiseach to go to Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday for the Ryanair Gold Cup!”