Michael Lillis: Episode 339

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This week, Michael Lillis joined Jarlath to discuss his very unusual journey from diplomat to aviation giant. Together they examine how he left the comfort of the life of a UN Ambassador in Geneva for the business of leasing planes.

Michael explains the very Irish reason at the heart of Tony Ryan's scepticism over his ability to work for him (44:00), what he believes can be the secret of winning any negotiation (49:00). We also get his thoughts on the future of the EU post-Brexit (1:01:00) and hear the incredible story how his meeting with Éamon de Valera led to him being "sent down" to work with Charlie Haughey (17:00).

Hear why Michael believes Margaret Thatcher betrayed the Unionists "in the most outrageous way" in the Anglo-Irish Agreement (39:00), the grey-areas of giving '"facilitating payments" in the aviation business (49:00), how free public travel for pensioners in Ireland was his idea (21:00) and much more. This is a truly rare and fascinating conversation with one of Ireland's true legends of business.

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