Michael O'Leary slams 'useless' Micheál Martin: 'I don't think he'll be Taoiseach in July'

James Cox

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has labelled Taoiseach Micheál Martin "useless", adding that he does not believe Mr Martin will still be in his role by July.

In a wide-ranging, and expletive-laden, interview with the Irish Independent, Mr O'Leary expressed frustration with the Government.

He criticised Mr Martin over problems with Ireland's roads, healthcare and housing issues.

However, the Dublin Airport passenger cap was a big issue for Mr O'Leary.

While the Government has introduced legislation aimed at removing the 32 million passenger cap, Mr O'Leary expressed his doubts, and was critical of responses he has received from Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien.

He saved his harshest criticism for Mr Martin.

“The Government will work with stakeholders to achieve our objective of scrapping the f**king cap at Dublin Airport.

“Twelve months later, nothing. Meanwhile, your man is wandering around. That’s him [Mr Martin] opening up the baggage hall in Kerry Airport.

“That’s him at the f**king G20. Bang! That’s him getting his photo taken at COP. Bang! And that’s him in Angola. Bang!

“And where is he this week? Off in Lebanon visiting the troops. We have a minister of defence! What’s the Taoiseach doing in Lebanon? He should be here driving delivery of his government programme.

"What’s happening about the airport cap? Nothing. Housing? Nothing. Infrastructure? Nothing. He’s too busy off with his new €50m jet.

“This whole Government gets nothing done — and it comes from the top."

Mr O'Leary also said he does not believe Mr Martin will be Taoiseach when Ireland begins its EU Council presidency in July.

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1st to December 31st, 2026.

“I do not think Micheál Martin will still be Taoiseach in July when Ireland begins its presidency [of the EU]. More pressure will come on with the two by-elections. Lose them and the writing will be on the wall.

“We’re going to go after Micheál Martin because he’s useless."