O'Leary looks to successor in 2008 - report

Outspoken Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has admitted to a few of his own shortcomings in an interview with the Times…

Outspoken Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has admitted to a few of his own shortcomings in an interview with the Timestoday.

Mr O'Leary, who has said that he plans to retire in 2008, told the Times that Ryanair would need someone "more professional" than him when it became Europe's biggest carrier.

"When we're the biggest airline in Europe, it will be inappropriate to have somebody here shouting, swearing, abusing the competition," he said.

"You need more professional management than me. And that time is coming," Mr O'Leary is reported as saying.

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Asked whether an Irishman might succeed him at the helm of Ireland's phenomenally successful company, he said, perhaps with tongue firmly in cheek: "Much more likely a ghastly, emollient Englishman, probably with a knighthood: Sir Roger Mucknsmuck."

Mr O'Leary is famed for his outspoken comments and criticism of passengers who delay his aircraft or complain about flight service standards.

Earlier this month, Ryanair, Europes biggest low-cost operator, said that it was on track to double passenger volumes and profit by 2012.