DUBLIN-BASED consultants International Development Ireland (IDI) has begun talks with the government in Botswana about a three-year contract to manage the country's national airline. This follows the recent decision by Comair, a South African carrier backed by British Airways, to withdraw from talks on such a deal.

Comair had been chosen as the preferred bidder by the authorities in Botswana, with IDI as first reserve. IDI executive Ted Bowe confirmed that negotiations would take place this month with the Botswana government. He said it would be "challenging to put a deal together" given the current headwinds facing the aviation industry.

Formed in 1989, IDI likes to fly low below the radar. It was owned by the Irish State until a management-led privatisation some years back.

Although based in Dublin, practically all of its activities and people are based abroad.

It provides management and consultancy services to governments and private firms across a range of sectors.

IDI is no stranger to Botswana, having advised on the restructuring of the national fixed-line telecoms operator that returned it to profitability, and on a reorganisation of the state's industry and commerce ministry that "led to major changes in functions and responsibilities and the establishment of a number of key state agencies".

Given our economic woes, maybe Brian Cowen should pick up the phone to Bowe and his colleagues.