Well if the plan is for the airport to be a profitable cargo hub and a centre for excellence in aircraft maintenance, then why shouldn't it stay in state hands? At least the taxpayer is likely to receive a dividend from the operation then.
I think its a bit hypocritical for Ryanair to be moaning at Aer Lingus last week for not paying a higher dividend to the government, and yet this week they think any future profits to be made at Shannon should go to the private sector.