US businessman Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to the Irish Government over the risks of selling its stake in Aer Lingus.

A letter that he personally wrote to Taoiseach, Enda Kenny has been obtained by the Irish Independent - it says: "Aer Lingus, like the Irish shamrock and Guinness, is essentially Irish with a strong national identity which is very important to your country. It should not be given away to the highest bidder."

Let's hope that no one tells him that Guinness has already been acquired by a British multinational.

Mr Trump says that the sale of the airline could jeopardise the "many millions of dollars" that he intends to invest in Irish interests. He currently owns the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Co Clare.

He argues that the Government's stake in the airline offers "strategic advantages" to the country, adding:

"An island nation that depends so heavily on tourism, foreign direct investment and business links needs as much [of an] advantage as it possibly can get."

The letter tells Mr Kenny that he is particular concerned about traffic to Shannon airport, he writes:

"Shannon Airport has begun to grow its numbers over the last number of years and it needs time to make its contribution to the economy of the West of Ireland, of which I know you are a proud citizen."

He praises the current Government for last year's Gathering, and the development and branding of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Apprentice bossman continues: "For my own part, I am incredibly proud of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg, Ireland, a jewel in Irish tourism and one that has great future potential to impact the local economy over the next number of years. I want to protect this business, its jobs and, of course, my own investment."

When he came to Ireland to launch the Doonbeg resort, he took time out to talk to Newstalk's Down to Business.