Monday, November 13, 2006

Protection racket: 3

A classic illustration of how blinkered the Irish government can be, via, of all people, Ulster Unionist leader Reg Empey, who --

has said he wants the British government to intervene in any bid to take over Northern Ireland Electricity. Mr Empey said he was concerned at reports that the ESB [Electricity Supply Board] is planning a proposal to take over the electricity network.

Northern Ireland Electricity's parent company Viridian is currently the subject of a €2.4 billion takeover by Bahrain investment bank Arcapita. However, reports yesterday suggested ESB would be interested in acquiring the electricity network following suggestions that Arcapita may sell off stakes in Viridian.


Indeed. The Republic's coddled overcharging monopoly would love to take over its only potentially serious competitor and squelch any hope that an all-Ireland electricity market could bring down prices in the Republic. And remember, the ESB has the same owner -- the Irish government -- that is yelling and screaming about the perils of a monopoly in the air travel market if Ryanair is able to take over Aer Lingus. Do they think for a second about whether their positions on related issues are remotely consistent? No.

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