I still think DUB needs the longer runway. Are we really happy with one carrier monopolising the links to Asia and beyond?
Etihad has paved the way but I think healthy competition as well as the potential for direct links to Asia rather than stopping in Abu Dhabi are very attractive propositions for pax (customers of both airlines and DAA).
Not to mention the fact the USA is by no means the largest economy anymore, nor will it be in the future. If Ireland wants to keep that market intact, it had better hope to have strong links with China and India. I know that as a business person direct flight > stopover.