Agreed, but would BA (even as low-frills BA Connect) compete directly with EI on a UK-Ireland route? Can't imagine it would help relations within Oneworld (which EI may well have strained a bit already by cutting their frills and short haul C). EI fly a few A320's a day to MAN at the moment, in addition to FR sending several 737-800's and a token ERJ145 from Luxair flying LUX-MAN-DUB-MAN-LUX once a day.

As for FR's move, if there is money to be made on the route then they will be back. They pulled out of MAN years ago over a similar issue and came back in greater force than before once a better deal was put on the table.

FR have reduced their service to NQY from STN by 50% due to hikes in the airport fees there, too.