Taoiseach calls Michael O’Leary’s comments about nurses ‘crass and ill-informed’

Ryanair boss has headlined Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil events

Airline has also received millions in State aid during pandemic

Taoiseach Simon Harris has called Michael O’Leary’s comments about nurses “crass and ill-informed”.

The Ryanair boss has said that nurses should not be allowed to strike, and that they are “greedy” for asking for a pay rise.

Harris said that O’Leary’s comments were “out of touch with reality”, and that nurses deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do.

“Our nurses are some of the best in the world, and they deserve to be treated with respect,” Harris said.

“Their work is essential to our health service, and they should not be subjected to these kinds of attacks.”

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has also condemned O’Leary’s comments, saying that they are “disgraceful” and “offensive”.

The INMO has called on O’Leary to apologize for his comments, and to withdraw them.

Ryanair has not yet commented on the Taoiseach’s remarks.

However, the airline has previously defended O'Leary's right to express his opinions.

In a statement, Ryanair said: "Michael O'Leary is entitled to his opinion, just like everyone else."

"We believe that nurses are well paid and that their pay and conditions are comparable to other public sector workers."

The airline also pointed out that it has received millions in State aid during the pandemic.

“We have a track record of supporting our staff, and we will continue to do so,” the statement said.

“We are proud of our staff and their commitment to our customers.”