Senior Labour figures have ruled out expressing support for a deal on Aer Lingus until after the general election.

The Irish Independent reports that Labour Party strategists believe consenting to a sale of the State's stake prior to the election could severely damage the chances of their Dublin-based TDs.

It comes despite Aer Lingus directors saying there is a "compelling commercial logic" to allowing International Airlines Group (IAG) to buy the airline.

Labour's so-called 'Aer Lingus Seven' recently mounted strong opposition to the deal. They are expected to meet again to discuss recent developments surrounding the proposal.

It comes as Aer Lingus moved a step closer to approving the takeover yesterday.

Its board said the takeover would help to create jobs, enhance Ireland's connectivity to the outside world and develop Ireland as a hub for travel between Europe and America.

The airline directors say they would favour the takeover being proposed by IAG, but they are not in a position to recommend it because a formal bid has not yet been made.

The transport minister says the proposal to buy Aer Lingus remains under consideration by the government.

Minister of State at the Departments of Agriculture, Food and Marine and Transport, Ann Phelan, was asked if she believed no positive decision would be made on the matter, ahead of the general election:

Originally posted at 9.51am