Racedo, you mentioned Louise Phelan, didn't mention Julie O’Neill. I don't know much about either, but
irishtimes.com has noticed an interesting U-turn in the Ryanair management's attitudes.
The record of the Department of Transport in this country is one of mismanagement, incompetence, monopoly protectionism and damaging the consumer interest at every hand’s turn.
“The sooner this nest of incompetence and ineptitude is shut down the better.
“Alternatively, we should rename it DUMP (the Department for Useless Monopoly Protection).”
So said Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary at the Kenmare economic conference in October 2007.
Exactly one year later, his then colleague Jim Callaghan had this to say about the department and its use of consultants.
“The Department of Transport is now a by-word for incompetence and inefficiency,” he said.
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Who was secretary general of the department during both those years?
Julie O’Neill. The same Julie O’Neill who was appointed as a non-executive director of Ryanair yesterday.
/...
Bonderman was “delighted” that O’Neill and Louise Phelan of PayPal were joining the board of the airline.
“They bring significant skills, career success and experience to the board,” he added, without a hint of irony.
It’s a classic U-turn, even by Ryanair’s standards.