Interesting if true.
Star alliance would make sense in so far as the UA joint venture. One wonders how it will affect the BA codeshare on DUB-LHR.
As for business class on that route, does anyone have any insight into whether there will be any changes to cabin config to facilitate it and if so which aircraft (basically if it's 320's then the 321's are likely to be sold off).
As to the Business class on the route, I recall flying EI business class from DUB to LHR just before it was removed a few years back (not so much by choice more that it was the only seat left) and it cost less than the FR fare to Stanstead or Luton on the same day due to being booked 48 hours before departure.
At the right price point, a business class service on the route might work well, if they provide in flight laptop power point and internet access (especially if you get priority boarding and you're kept away from the "rabble" for boarding and security!)
JAS