Michael Murray on Ryanair

Michael O’Leary may have caved in to demands to negotiate with unions, but there are several reasons why I won’t be selling my Ryanair shares

Michael O’Leary: after 23 years at the helm, is it time for him to step down? Picture: Bloomberg

The decision by Ryanair on Friday to recognise pilot unions across several European countries was groundbreaking – a vital response to pilots’ grievances and a necessary move to avert strike action over the most critical days for passengers in the run-up to Christmas.

The concession is a climbdown, giving bargaining power to pilots across the company’s pan-European network. But it should avert the risk of a single and rather militant union in Dublin ...