OVER the last couple of days, we have taken a close look at aspects of the proposed sale of Aurigny Air Services to Blue Islands and on page one and here today, BI owner Derek Coates explains, in detail, why his approach is in the Bailiwick’s best interests.

It is a compelling package, underwritten by a man who has no intention of damaging his reputation and whose ability in business has amassed him an awesome personal fortune.

For many, if Aurigny has to be sold, then it has to go to Mr Coates. He is the obvious choice.

Yet there are many hurdles. The most significant, as we highlighted yesterday, is guaranteeing the security of the lifeline links to Gatwick. The ultimate protection is what Guernsey has now, States ownership of the airline gifted with the slots.

Anything less than that is a weakening of the position but Mr Coates is right, a fair assessment can be made only when the details of his proposals are published and can then be subject to critical analysis.

However, as this newspaper has argued from day one, there is more to this sale than showing that there is a solid business case behind the approach from Blue Islands.

Treasury and Resources, as shareholder, has a duty not only to ensure good husbandry of public assets but also, where a sale is contemplated, to demonstrate that best taxpayer value has been obtained.

No matter how good Mr Coates’s offer might prove, T&R under its current strategy simply cannot demonstrate that Blue Islands’ is the best deal because it has not sought expressions of interest from anyone else.

Indeed, it has actually rebuffed an approach from Flybe, one that was offering cash up front.

There is far more involved in this than the simple cash value of Aurigny but while the two airlines are busy carrying out due diligence, it appears that Treasury is not reciprocating when it comes to showing to islanders that the Coates package really is the best available.

Of all States departments, Treasury and Resources is the last that should ignore the fundamentals of good governance.