Ryanair says no need for govt stake in Aer Lingus

DUBLIN, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Ryanair (RYA.I) said on Thursday a guarantee it had tabled on landing rights at London's Heathrow airport removed the need for the Irish government to retain a strategic stake in flagship carrier Aer Lingus.

"By giving watertight control over Aer Lingus' (Heathrow) slots, we effectively remove any need for the Irish government to retain a strategic shareholding," Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told a news conference.

Earlier, Ryanair updated its 750 million euro ($946.4 million) offer for Aer Lingus with guarantees it said would show that the takeover would not hurt competition.

O'Leary said he would meet with Aer Lingus shareholders within the next few days.

(Reporting by Andras Gergely)