It was still rather more worthwhile doling out public money to Ryanair than Spanair. . . . doesn't make it any more palatable for the taxpayer, as I am sure there were other "interests" more pressing there than Ryanairs wellbeing.
Catalan Govt played poker with a way more accomplished player, a bit juvenile to act as they do now because they were naive enough to see Ryanair as a partner rather than an opponent. Where € are concerned Ryanair have no partners & no friends. . . . anyone who thinks/thought otherwise hasn't done their homework. All this cr@p in the Press is merely ineffectual payback for that. Don't see any drop in their pax figures in Spain, so hopefully the public can see all this for what it is. . . . someone (other than Ryanair for once) throwing their toys out of the pram.