New business for SNN?
GELOFO, The problem is that if FR react to a competitor they will almost certainly cause them to lose millions on any Shannon operation.
Only Easyjet among the low costs have the resources to engage in that sort of price war and even they withdrew after 20 months of head to head competition in 2006.
Having said that the choice of Gatwick wasn't the best. They didn't qualify for any incentives into Shannon and Cork. They'd probably hold out for longer if they operated a route that qualified for marketing support as it would give them an edge over any potential competitor.
Of course the fact that the Irish economy has gone pear shaped will probably also deter any overseas carrier from launching new routes in the short term.