I read that as 'public between the competitors', not as in bringing any extraordinary daylight to the issue. It clearly says many of the politicians involved we

I read that as 'public between the competitors', not as in bringing any extraordinary daylight to the issue. It clearly says many of the politicians involved were thinking carefully about what the public would think when the deal was announced. I don't think people are generally that impressed by this sort of corporate welfare. If the public takes on the burden of some of the liabilities, they should be entitled to some of the upside. Creating jobs is great (even though it also generates new public liabilities), but it's difficult to see this deal as worthwhile.