"We all have a responsibility to make sure that internal industrial relations matters are dealt with in such a way that doesn't hurt passengers, " he added later when asked to explain why he did not hold Siptu responsible for going ahead with industrial action despite a 250m sweetener for employees that, if anything, is considered too generous by many observers.

"My job is to make sure that whatever IPO negotiations might be going on in the background don't disrupt the travelling public, " Mannion said.

The airline chief executive said he will buy Aer Lingus shares when they are offered to the public.

"I will buy a few shares but in the overall scheme of things it will be very insignificant I'm sure."

Aer Lingus management will not receive share options as a part of the flotation, the airline confirmed.

Mannion rejected any suggestion that Irish retail investors might be too gunshy after the controversial Eircom privatisation to buy Aer Lingus shares, which will be offered to the public in minimum tranches of 10,000.