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Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

After four long months, the government is set to FINALLY sell its stake in Aer Lingus

Transport minister Paschal Donohoe officially announced the sale’s approval at a press conference this evening.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS agreed to sell its 25.1% stake in Aer Lingus to International Airlines Group (IAG).

The deal was finally granted approval following a cabinet meeting this evening, the second such meeting of the day. At €2.50 a share, the deal values the government’s stake in the airline at around €335 million.

At a press conference this evening to officially announce the deal, transport minister Paschal Donohoe said that legally binding agreements regarding Aer Lingus’ brand and location have been agreed, while the airline’s slots at Heathrow will continue to be held for an unlimited time.

Donohoe added that Aer Lingus will add extra aircraft and destinations in the future.

Regarding the news that the sale proceeds will be used to establish a new ‘Connectivity Fund’, the minister said that this will involve “a broad definition” of connectivity and that further light will be shed on this by Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin tomorrow.

“However, this can and will include everything from ports to airports to roads,” he said.

When asked about his thoughts regarding Ryanair’s outstanding stake in Aer Lingus the minister replied that “that is entirely a matter for them”.

Following the sale the Minister for Finance will maintain one share in the airline. There is no time limit regarding the holding of this share.

Donohoe said that he plans on bringing the matter before the Dáil tomorrow, after which it will be voted upon.

In its official statement the Department of Transport highlighted the aspects to the deal they found most important:

  • 150 extra employees to be hired at the airline by end 2016, with a possible 635 new roles by 2020 (roughly 440 of which will be cabin crew and pilots)
  • All existing slots at Heathrow to continue to be held by Aer Lingus in a legally binding manner for an unlimited amount of time
  • All current schedules between Cork, Shannon and Dublin and London Heathrow to be guaranteed for seven years
  • Aer Lingus’ brand and head office location will remain unchanged
  • IAG are to use Dublin as a natural gateway hub for transatlantic routes

Earlier, the minister had released a statement confirming the sale:

“Today I updated the Cabinet on the latest position in relation to the IAG proposal to make an offer for Aer Lingus,” he said.

IAG has provided additional information and certain commitments in relation to its proposal.
Following detailed consideration of this and all of the issues surrounding a potential disposal of the State’s shareholding in Aer Lingus, the Government has decided that it will support IAG’s proposal.

An IAG statement this evening confirmed the sale and the agreed details:

“The board of International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. and the independent directors of Aer Lingus Group plc are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer to be made by AERL Holding Limited (“AERL Holding”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of IAG, for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Aer Lingus.”

ww IAG chief executive Willie Walsh Photocall Photocall

The guarantee regarding Aer Lingus’ flight slots at Heathrow Airport, which was a major sticking point for the government the last time the government rejected IAG’s advances, has been increased from five years to seven years with respect to services between Cork, Shannon and Dublin and the London airport.

Aer Lingus will also continue to operate its current international services under the same name and brand, while the airline’s head office will remain in Ireland.

As might be expected opposition reaction to the deal has been less than enthusiastic, with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams saying this evening that all it amounts to is a “stay of execution” for the Heathrow slots.”

“Any assurances by IAG around access for Irish routes from Heathrow will only delay the inevitable loss of these slots to more profitable routes,” Adams said.

Losing these vital routes in six months, five years or later is still very bad for Aer Lingus, bad for the economy and bad for Ireland.

Meanwhile Renua leader Lucinda Creighton said that, while she “welcomed” the sale, she was also “deeply concerned that the role played by the Labour Party throughout this process will damage the value of the sale for the tax-payer”.

The airline itself meanwhile welcomed the news unreservedly.

“This is a compelling transaction for Aer Lingus, its shareholders, its employees, its customers and for Ireland,” said chairman Colm Barrington.

This will lead to an increase in jobs at Aer Lingus, in support activities and the tourism sector and, importantly, will strengthen connectivity to and from Ireland.

Originally published att 8.53pm. With additional reporting from Hugh O’Connell

Read: Will Fine Gael and Labour come to blows over Aer Lingus sale?

Read: Aer Lingus bosses will share in millions if a sale goes ahead

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226 Comments
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    Mute Mark Lingard
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:35 AM

    Another reason to not use Starbucks

    622
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    Mute Jamie Jj Tobin
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:59 AM

    @Mark Lingard: After living abroad and tasting good cafe coffee, i can tell you this, the coffee from a self serve machine in a service stations is as good as most of these cafe franchise will give you in Ireland.

    323
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    Mute Paolo
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:05 AM

    @Mark Lingard: Not for one to be late when meeting friendsI regularly arrive early and sit down. When asked what I want to order I simply reply that I’m waiting for a colleague to arrive and we will order then. It appears from reading the article both sides are at fault as they could’ve simply said they were waiting for someone to join them.

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    Mute Dotty Dunleary
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:00 AM

    @Sandra O’Fucáif: Is that a fact?

    Or could it be that cops coming to remove 2 white guys from loitering in a Cafe isn’t newsworthy?

    96
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello.
    Favourite Neal Ireland Hello.
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:08 AM

    @Mark Lingard: What, because one of their tens of thousands of employees is a big thick and /or a bigot?

    30
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:28 AM

    @Sandra O’Fucáif: one of the guys had a bomber jacket on and a pair of tracksuit bottoms .its hardly the look of the average Starbucks customer.
    I bet if two white guys walked into a coffee shop on grafton st in scaldy looking tracksuits and refused to buy anything the staff would want them to leave ..the only difference is the garda would not arrive at the coffee shop for half an hour and when they do they arrive with a note pad taking names.
    Different policing methods but I guess that is why the tourists areas in the USA are not over run with WHITE intimating junkies like we have in Dublin city centre.

    80
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    Mute Charliegrl80
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:29 AM

    @Jamie Jj Tobin: Except Bar Americain New York, best cup of coffee I ever had, about 12 years ago.

    7
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    Mute Charliegrl80
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:32 AM

    @Charliegrl80: Karma, will be a *B for those involved.

    3
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    Mute Dotty Dunleary
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:40 AM

    @Eoghan S Quinn: Garda wouldn’t arrive at all outside the city center when called to a shop/cafe…

    19
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    Mute Mairtin Cathbhar
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    Apr 16th 2018, 12:25 PM

    @Jamie Jj Tobin: the issue here is racism. Not quality of coffee.

    32
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    Mute The Girl
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:35 AM

    This is so wrong. In 2018? America come on. People sit and wait at coffee shops all the time. And on what grounds did the police arrest them, and handcuff them? They simply could have asked them to leave…if there was an issue. I hope they sue and win big.

    262
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    Mute Bobby Byrne
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:46 AM

    @The Girl: I think the grounds were arabic roast

    265
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:51 AM

    @The Girl:

    Did the article not say that they refused to buy anything? As much as I don’t like Starbucks it’s not a library, it’s a business.

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    Mute Conor Paddington
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:05 AM

    @Nick Allen: the article said that they were waiting for a friend to arrive before ordering. You’re searching for a reason to confirm your unconscious bias, but even if they refused, two white guys would not have been arrested for that.

    118
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    Mute Johnny Bellew
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:13 AM

    @Nick Allen: Sure, but it’s OK if you are white, caucasian, and it’s also particularly helpful if you are middle-class, apparently.

    48
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:15 AM

    @Conor Paddington:

    Unconscious bias?

    How stupid are you? You do not know me and you do not know what bias I may or may not have. I was simply demonstrating critical thinking ie I based my comment on the facts provided which clearly say that the two guys refused to purchase something. Furthermore, neither you nor I know what would have happened if they were two while men, that is just conjecture on your part.

    Two many people these days jump on the race card and ignore the facts. It demonstrates a real lack of ability to think for oneself and the ability of social media to make influence some people

    103
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:16 AM

    @Johnny Bellew:

    And where are you getting that information? Is that just made up to suit your argument or is it actually based on anything ?

    34
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:17 AM

    @Nick Allen: too not two*

    8
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    Mute Conor Paddington
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:24 AM

    @Nick Allen: no, I’m sorry, but your comment demonstrates a total lack of social awareness in trying to find reasons to make this reprehensible occurrence seem reasonable. It does not demonstrate critical thinking. There were plenty of witnesses in that coffee shop who were entirely confused about what was going on, the two victims in the situation are totally reasonable and even bemused. This was a racially charged fůçk up and trying to make it seem ok does not make you an enlightened thinker.

    65
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:28 AM

    @Conor Paddington:

    I don’t disagree that this was handled badly but you are jumping to conclusion to say it was race related. It may well have been, but you nor I know whether it was. They fact that they refused to buy anything in the shop is not ‘trying to find reasons’, it is dealing with the facts. Starbucks is a business, they sell coffee, if someone refuses to purchases anything what should they do?

    63
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:15 AM

    @Conor Paddington: you know this for a fact do …
    The police in america are not like the garda they go in and arrest and ask questions later.
    And from what iv seen the first contact with police over there is vital what I mean is any attitude whats so ever towards and your gone white black or brown .they are extremely quick to arrest.
    I agree with a previous poster if it had of been two white guys it wouldn’t be news worthy.

    42
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    Mute Johnny Bellew
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:34 AM

    @Nick Allen: Its based on anecdotal evidence. The best kind.

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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:38 AM

    @Johnny Bellew:

    I think that comment says it all, I am surprised you don’t have a reference to The Daily Mail or FaceBook to back it up

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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:59 AM
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:19 AM

    @The Girl: wake up to reality 91.3% of all murder is commented by black people in Philly these are the facts .and guess
    what the overwhelming majority of their victims are black ..so is any wonder then why police over there arrest black people ..
    The same thing happens here the majority of lads being arrested and sent to jail are from certain areas of Dublin finglas ballymun northinner city crummlin ..Guess why because the majority of crime comes out of them areas ..so why is it not an outrage when two lads from sheriff st get arrested for nothing…Complete PR BullS…
    Its getting ridiculous now people need to say it how it is

    33
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    Mute Dave Thomas
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:41 AM

    @Nick Allen: no the article says they said they were waiting for a friend before ordenens. And after spending 15 years in bars and restaurants I can tell you it’s a pretty common thing to happen. It’s called the hospitality industry for a reason.

    25
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 12:24 PM

    @Dave Thomas:

    Time for a trip to SpecSavers I think. The article clearly states that they refused to buy anything

    21
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    Mute DeFonz
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    Apr 16th 2018, 1:40 PM

    @Bobby Byrne: If it was Starbucks it was very weak grounds

    5
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    Mute Mr. H
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    Apr 16th 2018, 5:06 PM

    @The Girl: thanks for letting us know the year! What would we do without you…

    2
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    Mute Bin Shapiro :)
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    Apr 16th 2018, 7:02 PM

    @Eoghan S Quinn: cops have racially profiled black people,which has been proven to be against the constitution.You’re right,black on black killings is high.But you’ll find the same with white on white killings.Poverty is a big reason for this..

    Anyway,the manager only has the right to kick them out if the place of business has a policy stating that a purchase must be made and if that policy is enforced across the board. Starbucks has acknowledged that they do not have a ,’no buy, get out’ policy.In other words,the manager made a boo-boo…

    is it ‘cos they were black ? probs..

    4
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    Mute Dave Hammond
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:30 PM

    @Dave Thomas: Is that what you deduce from reading this ?…..Philadelphia police commissioner Richard Ross, who is black, said police had received a 911 call from a Starbucks worker who said the men were trespassing, after sitting down and refusing to buy anything.

    3
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    Mute Dj
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:46 AM

    If they had ordered coffee and were sitting with their coffee in front of them then this is absurd but….. if they were just sitting taking up space and preventing other customers from having a space to sit then they were rightfully asked to leave.That is called loitering. All towns and cities have this law. Not sure that handcuffs were necessary unless they resisted. Can’t any media actually report all of the story/facts instead of seeking to get our undies in a twist over something that could actually be pretty simple to explain ??

    220
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    Mute courageous
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:48 AM

    @Dj:

    Put your undies on and stop giving out

    40
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    Mute Damien Mooney
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:50 AM

    @Dj: bootlicker

    35
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    Mute Dj
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:53 AM

    @courageous: It’s a nice day so I’ve decided to hang loose.

    18
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    Mute Dj
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:53 AM

    @Damien Mooney: Bumlicker.

    21
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    Mute ter
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:58 AM

    @Dj: loitering is in public place trespass is on private property but this is a public accessible business it’s different

    11
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello.
    Favourite Neal Ireland Hello.
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:11 AM

    @ter: Is that Irish law or U.S. law? And arw you familiar with the laws in that particular state?

    7
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    Mute John Cotter
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:39 AM

    A lack of common sense on all sides. 1) If you are waiting on somebody in a coffee shop then order something, must have been there a while for this to have escalated. 2) Calling 911 for this? The mind boggles? 3) To arrest them then just beggars belief!

    165
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    Mute Kevin O'Donnell
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:53 AM

    @John Cotter: I agree John. The management of a store generally has the right to refuse entry or ask a customer to leave. Whether that request was communicated to the guys I don’t know but I assume it was. A simple ordering of a coffee would have stopped it at that stage. If they didn’t leave after being asked, the manager may have felt he had a problem on his hands and called the police. Once the police were involved, if the men refuse to leave voluntarily then the cops may not have had a choice but to arrest.

    85
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    Mute Mairtin Antaine O Conaill
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:49 AM

    They called the police, made a complaint to the police. The police did their job and then because of the negative publicity they withdrew the complaint. Doesn’t look like the police did anything wrong.

    91
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:53 AM

    @Mairtin Antaine O Conaill:

    And what did Starbucks do wrong? Two people sitting in their shop and refusing to purchase anything.

    93
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:27 AM

    @Mairtin Antaine O Conaill: yet all the customers around them protested.

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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:30 AM

    @Deborah Behan:

    What should Starbucks have done?

    23
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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:44 AM

    @Nick Allen: probably shouldn’t have racially profiled them. You’re continuous attempt to justify this incident makes it very obvious of what kind of mindset you have.

    31
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:58 AM

    @Paul:

    Where does it say they were racially profiled and where is the evidence? Were there two white men that also refused to purchase anything that were left to loiter in the restaurant?

    Yes, it is obvious the mindset I have, I deal with the facts rather than am one of the many snowflakes out there that are influenced by social media.

    39
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    Mute B9xiRspG
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:03 AM

    @Paul: You are assuming they called the police because the guys were black instead of the fact that they were taking up a couple of tables and not purchasing anything.

    39
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:34 AM

    @Deborah Behan: two did not all ..you should get a job with fox news

    11
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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:48 AM

    @Nick Allen: you’re response is laughable. By saying the word snowflake it just completely discredits any point you try to make. Enjoy your day fella

    21
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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:52 AM

    @B9xiRspG: yes I am assuming they called the police because they were black. I’d like to know how many white people left in handcuffs who were waiting for a friend before ordering, since the store opened.

    Whether you like it or not or whether or not it fits your narrative Jim, America has and always had a racial problem a very serious one.

    22
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:01 AM
    10
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:35 AM

    @Paul:

    Why are you avoiding the facts. They REFUSED to buy anything. Take a little time to digest what that means to a business in the restaurant sector.

    25
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:41 AM

    @Paul: A guy in tallaght gets locked up for 11 months for crime he did not commit ..not one comment about it or posts two black guys are asked to leave a cafe and there is PR outrage …The PR junkies in the this country are making a complete fool of themselves .off to leafy suburbs with you all its pathetic..its ok to look down at poorer areas in dublin but god forbid you say or do anything to black person in a city Iv never been or know anything about

    26
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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 16th 2018, 1:43 PM

    @Nick Allen: hold on a minute now the store manager SAID they refused to buy anything. They told the manager they were waiting on a friend. But let’s just feed our own agendas nick.

    7
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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 16th 2018, 1:45 PM

    @Eoghan S Quinn: guy gets falsely imprisoned that is awful. Could you fill me in on the details I actually didn’t see or read that article. Not trying to be smart btw I’m genuinely interested.

    With that I agree with you that there is a class issue in Ireland as-well directed towards lower income areas which is disgusting and does need to be addressed.

    4
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 5:26 PM
    3
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 5:49 PM

    @Paul: notice there is not one comment ans all the facts are in that article. Not one mention from the PR machine .
    I genuinely believe these PR clowns live an extremely sheltered life and dont get out and see the real world

    3
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    Mute Mairtin Antaine O Conaill
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    Apr 16th 2018, 6:20 PM

    @Eoghan S Quinn: are the comments on that article not closed??? That might explain why there are no comments.

    1
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 6:29 PM

    @Mairtin Antaine O Conaill: they because I copied and pasted link from google but there was not one single comment today ..

    1
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    Mute Dave Fingleton
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:17 AM

    I was in a tiny little deli cafe in Portlaoise on Sat when a lady (I’m guessing of Indian sub continent decent, and down on her luck) came in, handed a baby’s bottle to the barista / owner and asked to have some milk and hot water. Without hesitation, the bottle was filled and returned to the lady was wished the best of luck. Support small local businesses..for a better community for everyone..

    65
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    Mute Jimmy Corkhill
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:39 AM

    @Dave Fingleton: What a heart warming anecdote, made getting out of bed worthwhile this Monday morning. Truly life affirming. Restores my faith in human kind etc. Got any more?

    18
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    Mute Steve Hardy
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:41 AM

    Mc Cafe sell better coffee than starbucks anyway

    61
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    Mute Dotty Dunleary
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:56 AM

    If it was two scangers or s-pikey’s loitering around a coffee shop here in Ireland, who’d possibly also told the security man to FO, the SB manager would call the Gardai, wait 2 or 3 hours for them to show up if you were lucky, only to be told “there’s nothing we can do..”

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    Mute Gavin O'Brien
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:32 AM

    Philadelphia Here I Come ! Not.

    43
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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:44 AM

    @Gavin O’Brien: why cause they arrested two black guys for reasons unclear wow you should rule out every city in america you should rule out paris too..
    What a ridiculous thing to say

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    Mute Nick Caffrey
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:16 AM

    Nowhere does it say if the men told the employee that they were waiting for a friend?

    38
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:28 AM

    @Nick Caffrey: I would find it strange if they didn’t. But was the employee watching any white peoples in the same way?

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:41 AM

    @Deborah Behan: and how long were they sitting there? 15mins, 30mins, hours? Perhaps no other person (including whites) was sitting there that long without ordering. Unfortunately these are essential information we are not getting from this awful article. A typical attempt to stirr racial tensions.

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    Mute Thoughtoffense
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:22 AM

    Something tells me we are not getting the full story here. Thought I’m sure the MSM have performed a through investigation…

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    Mute James keaty
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:21 AM

    They were very well dressed for their business meeting! Also? Perfectly entitled to be asked to either purchase something or leave if not willing to. It’s called loitering and I think we might not be getting the full story. The cuffs way over the top tho. All the attention and laws have left cops with no discretion or tact in these situations.

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    Mute courageous
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:41 AM

    Shocking, America keeps sinking to new lows as the days weeks and years go by, this is truly disgusting and racism to the core, what kind of police officers are they, I have no doubt in my mind the Garda would not act or done something like this as they have real common sense and professionalism why is America getting it wrong constantly

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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:02 AM
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    Mute Kevin Slater
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    Apr 16th 2018, 12:49 PM

    Same would have happened to any one of any colour if they were sitting not buying anything.
    The assumption that it was as racial profiling says a lot about the Offended on here.
    A sort of Munchausens syndrome for people who are offended on the behalf of people who can’t be bothered to be offended

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    Mute Matt F
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:50 AM

    Terrible coffee and now this. Another reason not to drink their swill.

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    Mute Michael Lang
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:02 AM

    With apologies to Ali G.

    Is it cos I is back?

    Yes.

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    Mute Elvis King
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:44 AM

    Show me the money

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    Mute courageous
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:46 AM

    @Elvis King:

    Get a job and you can make your own

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    Mute Elvis King
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:25 AM

    @courageous: ha , h

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    Mute Johannes Baader
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:12 AM

    At least they weren’t shot. They were lucky just to get arrested.

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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 16th 2018, 3:07 PM

    @Johannes Baader: cause every black person that interacts with police get shot?!

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    Mute Sean
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    Apr 16th 2018, 7:18 PM

    @Paul: Pretty much!

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    Mute Raymond Dennehy
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:18 AM

    America going backward fast…..

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    Mute Michael Lang
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:01 AM

    I take a positive out of this. Some of the white customers protested. One, in particular, was vocal.

    There is another positive. Therefore 3 people who regularly comment on race issues. They are always against the black victims. I was unsure if they were racist or just contrarian. In this case, they have shown that I need no longer hold open the benefit of the doubt that they might be merely contrarian.

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    Mute Slim Jim
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    Apr 16th 2018, 1:51 PM

    So they bought nothing and were arrested? Nothing else happened? I’d like to see a video of everything that happened before making a judgement as all we are hearing is one side of the story.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:18 AM

    “Waiting in a Starbucks while black is a crime?” -could have been much worse.The two black guys could have got lost and knocked on some persons door looking for directions and end up getting shot at by the occupant.. Moral of the story;if you’re a black American,don’t get lost..

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    Mute Joan Ryan
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:13 AM

    No @Paolo . Both sides were not at fault here.

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    Mute Paul Kelly
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    Apr 16th 2018, 1:13 PM

    Starbucks and trespass??, the same company that ignores the planning laws in this country?
    http://www.thejournal.ie/starbucks-planning-2977197-Sep2016/

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    Mute Philip Mc dermott
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    Apr 16th 2018, 3:30 PM

    They should not have been arrested but there is a bathroom policy that’s for customers only these guys sat down didn’t buy anything then refused to leave saying they wanted to use the bathroom which they didn’t even do, then after refusing to leave the cops were called they asked the guys 3 times to leave again they refused this time saying they were waiting for a friend, if they had just left the first time nothing would have happened but for whatever reason they thought it was ok to just hang out there and take seats from paying customers.

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    Mute Michael Lang
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    Apr 16th 2018, 3:29 PM

    It is amusing to see some who defend the indefensible even when the party responsible apologises and accepts that the actions were utterly indefensible.

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    Mute Tony Mulligan
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:11 AM

    going to cost big bucks

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    Mute B9xiRspG
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:08 AM

    @Tony Mulligan: Not really – they were asked to leave which the management is entitled to do, they refused, management called the police, they still wouldn’t leave, got arrested.

    Problem is everyone is saying this happened because of their colour but you have to wonder. They were at least taking up one maybe two tables and weren’t buying anything.

    Starbucks will probably pay out something just to make it go away but eventually someone has to take a stand against the improper use of the racist cards.

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    Mute Philip Mc dermott
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:44 PM

    @B9xiRspG: totally %100 agree with you the only reason this is even a story is because of their skin colour, if they were white it wouldn’t have made the news, people will probably now call me racist for pointing that out.

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    Mute Sean Bradley
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:58 AM

    Music in the back ground sounds like the music in its always sunny in Philadelphia, which is quite fitting because this is something that they do on that show.

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    Mute Mr. H
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    Apr 16th 2018, 5:05 PM

    Starbucks is chyte in anyway. Piss poor coffee. Please, please, please support your local coffee shop, chances are they make a better tasting cup!

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    Mute Tee Carr
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    Apr 16th 2018, 4:02 PM

    REPREHENSIBLE. If there’s any justice, at all, the responsible employee/s and the arresting officers will all lose their jobs. Absolutely abhorrent!

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    Mute Brother Sylvest
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    Apr 16th 2018, 1:39 PM

    What did they think the two guys were going to do? Rob Starbucks? Anyone who has seen the Sopranos knows that that would be futile. This is racial profiling by an idiot employee and hopefully these guys will be well compensated for their public humiliation. The employee should have to apologise to them as well and then probably explain to his/her boss why Starbucks is being sued.

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    Mute ForeverFeel1ng
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    Apr 16th 2018, 8:04 PM

    8 police officers?!? Are they for real??

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    Mute Phil Swan
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    Apr 16th 2018, 10:06 AM

    Nothing to do with star bucks if the cops arrest someone for nothing. Star bucks are idiots for calling the cops but the cops are idiots all on their own for making an arrest for no reason.

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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:23 AM

    @Phil Swan: Starbucks made the complaint of trespass. They withdrew that complaint after the men were removed. Trespass is an arrestable offence.

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    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:42 AM

    @Phil Swan: But what crime had they committed? Their friend was probably meaning to stand them a coffee and they didn’t realise that customers are supposed to order before taking a table. Of course the staff were missing out on tips and sales if they took a table and didn’t buy anything. But why call the cops in the first place? It’s not as though they had eaten meals, accepted service and then run away laughing. They hadn’t flung food around and not left a tip. All things that so-called customers have done without being arrested. Even then you’d expect that the staff wouldn’t want to embarrass potential future customers. I think the cops should have had more sense.

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    Mute Sean
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    Apr 16th 2018, 7:19 PM

    @Phil Swan: there is no space between Star and Bucks

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    Mute Rosie O'Boyle
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:36 PM

    Crime rate statistics don’t help doh !!!

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