The application form allows for very little distinction and people with almost identical applications have had different outcomes.
Anyone have any ideas?
Yes, there is no way (even in lala land) that Aer Lingus could make an informed choice regarding who to call in for assessments on the basis of that most simple of application forms. This points towards it being nothing more than a HR exercise which would be the best method of hiding the blatant nepotism. Think about it. Ireland being a fairly small country, you'd be daft to think it (looking after your own) doesn't happen.