BWI and EWR are both routes served through SNN and Continental needs to operate a separate 757 to SNN to enjoy the privelege of a direct DUB trip.
Transatlantic routes from DUB (particularly these two) could be considerably more successful if nonstops were permitted, but with the one for one rule, these stopovers are the price the airline pays to have nonstops to BOS, JFK, ORD and LAX.
Noticed in this week's Business Post, there are rumblings of a possible general election in the Autumn; if so, the fate of EI might well be a major issue. MO'R doesn't have the slightest interest in aviation policy and there is considerable concern that EI will be sold to an airline (or worse still, an investment group) which would only seek to run down the t/a operation. Long hauls must be developed and there is still plenty of room for growth.
Selling to BA (or anyone else) with the SNN stop still in place would effectively give the message that transatlantic flights are not important. It would effectively be an invitation to shut them down and invite airlines to cherry pick the high yield pax through LHR or elsewhere.