Bagso
It does seem odd that the Irish Government seem more interested in protecting the Irish routes to DUB than the transatlantic network.
Doesn't really surprise me. Aside the undeniable benefits of inbound US tourists (who believe they are Irish and want to meet the ancestors) Ireland is a full member of the EU, and as such need to retain direct connections with it's chief trading partners who are, historically, the UK and then the rest of the EU.
The (political and business) fear must surely be that an IAG takeover will result in less competition on the point to point DUB/LON market, and diminishing direct flights (by EI) between Dublin and main European business centres, should IAG look to hub Irish passengers through LHR.
Of course, should this happen, the likes of KL / AF / LH and of course Ryanair will step in to fill the breach Ireland's image (through EI) wouldn't be being projected through the "national" carrier.
There are a lot of politics going to be involved here, no doubt.