Opposition candidates criticise O'Leary for his comments about teachers

Election candidates from the opposition parties have criticised Michael O'Leary for his comments about teachers at Minister Peter Burke's campaign launch at the weekend.

Minister Burke became embroiled in the first controversy of the election campaign when a video from the Westmeath Examiner of Michael O'Leary's speech at the launch went viral.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke, has said that the video, which shows Fine Gael members "applauding and cheering on sneering and disparaging remarks made about teachers, revealed the party’s contempt for teachers and workers".

Deputy Clarke, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Education, said that "to hear teachers being spoken of with such disregard and contempt at Peter Burke’s election campaign launch is unacceptable. No workers should be demeaned in this way.

“It is staggering, but very telling, that not only were these remarks allowed to go unchecked, but they were actually applauded, lapped up and cheered on by Fine Gaelers in attendance.

“...The tone, the words and the attitude contained in the leaked video show very clearly to the electorate where Fine Gael’s priorities lie.

“Fine Gael are not on the side of teachers. Fine Gael have no interest in improving our education system, reducing class sizes by ensuring we have enough teachers or that teachers who are currently working abroad can see a future for themselves here at home.

“The reality is Fine Gael will never be on the side of workers, whether they be in the private sector or public sector.

“Last month, Fine Gael chose to trumpet as a victory that they would not increase sick leave, now their party members are laughing at and mocking hard-working teachers.

“They should be ashamed of themselves.”

Labour election candidate Fidelma Bennett also criticised O'Leary for his comments saying that they "were not only outrageous but also an insult to the dedication and hard work of Ireland’s teachers".

“To hear a public figure like Michael O’Leary make such disparaging remarks about teachers is disgraceful. These comments reflect a deep lack of respect for a profession that shapes every one of us. Teachers play an essential role, from our formative years into adulthood, and their influence has a direct impact on Ireland’s skilled and educated workforce. Every success we achieve as a nation owes something to the dedication of our educators.

“At a time when we’re facing a crisis in the teaching sector—with over 950 vacancies in primary and special schools alone—we should be doing everything we can to support and encourage people in the teaching profession, not sneering at them. We’re in the middle of a shortage that affects students, parents, and communities nationwide, yet comments like these only undermine the importance of the profession and could deter young people from entering it.

“...A profession that already faces serious recruitment challenges should be given the highest respect, not made the subject of sneering remarks at campaign events. Teachers work tirelessly to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills that keep our economy and society vibrant and resilient."