The Transport Minister says discussions over the possible sale of Aer Lingus should come to an end in the 'next few weeks'.

Paschal Donohoe was speaking after a poll in The Irish Times showe 54 per cent of the public are against selling the airline to IAG.

The Minister says the Aer Lingus brand is obviously ‘of great interest’ to the Irish people - and that’s why the Government is taking its time to evaluate the bid.

Paschal Donohoe says he's not setting a strict deadline for a decision - but believes it will be settled one way or another in the coming weeks.