Well they are leaving it a bit late... nothing on the Aer Arann website indicates any further alliances. Nex have precisely no chance of getting the IAC contract, unless of course thet find themselves an AOC, lots of money and a few more aircraft. I'd suspect it more likely that Eastern would "tool up" and make a concerted attempt to keep the IAC work.
I'm guessing that it will stagger on for while yet, but ultimately their 146 will end up being parted out...