Aer Lingus chief Dermot Mannion used an unfortunate analogy when objecting to a Ryanair takeover last week.

"You cannot merge Manchester United and Liverpool and then expect them to compete with the same vigour the next day," he said.

For most people such a prospect would make for a very strong team indeed.

By comparison, Michael O'Leary's appearance on the Late Late Show on Friday night was a tour de force.

In direct contrast to the disastrous performance by Rody Molloy when interviewed by Pat Kenny on radio, O'Leary did a masterful job in establishing his bona fides on TV. He transformed his reputation as a difficult individual with jargon-free arguments that were well-researched and convincing.

For a nation no longer out socialising on a Friday night, and worn down by political lethargy, the quality of O'Leary's business acumen, leadership and judgement bordered on the inspirational.