Absolutely appalling news; one has to wonder about the future of military helicopters in Ireland as a result of this. Of course, it was down to a bungle; the S92 won the contract on foot of the offset deal for FLS, while apparently no other contractor had been allowed a chance for an offset. Political interference was a factor and the current minister (who apparently only kept his cabinet position by the skin of his teeth) was the one who made the decision. Of course, he'll stay on. The Dept. of Finance likes incompetent defence ministers; defence is always an easy target for cost cuts. Civil servants don't bear the responsibility for these cuts and it makes the figures balance.
But what must it do to (what's left of) Air Corps morale? I can only imagine this will be the last straw for many.
A very bad day for Irish aviation; just another kick in the face for the Air Corps(e).