Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary has condemned a European Commission plan to veto its attempt to take over rival airline Aer Lingus.
It is understood the Commission plans to veto the bid tomorrow.
Mr O'Leary said the move was 'politically motivated', designed to appease 'the narrow interests of the Irish Government', and biased against Ryanair.
He also claimed the veto was not in the interests of Irish consumers.
He added that he would appeal against the expected decision at the EU Court of First Instance.
The European Commission has denied it was influenced by political pressure over the deal.
In response, Aer Lingus CEO Dermot Mannion said Mr O'Leary had sought to 'take out' his closest competitor and had failed.
'He is now lashing out in a vain attempt to disguise that failure,' said Mr Mannion.
Mr Mannion said an EU decision to block the Ryanair takeover bid would be a boost for Aer Lingus and consumers.
