I agree that self handling can lead to a more customer focused front line and could give Aer Lingus the edge, esp when competing with Ryanair at Dublin.
But reports regarding Aer Lingus at BFS seem very complimentary, both on the ground and cabin crew, so if the airline can replicate this at say Cork and Shannon, and self handle in Dublin, could be the way to go for the short term anyway.
I think that costs need to be reduced and totally agree with the cuts, if money saving, while still providing the passenger with a service they'd realistically expect. I only hope that cuts are made if applicable at management level also, and not a case of cutting the ground staff and cabin crew, only to award themselves with big pay rises or bonuses at the top!!