Workers’ Party representative slams O’Leary’s far-right comments

Workers’ Party Dublin North-West representative, Jimmy Dignam, has described Michael O’Leary’s comments at Fine Gael’s fundraiser as ‘far-right’ and ‘dangerous’.

Dignam stated:

‘Michael O’Leary’s comments at Fine Gael’s pre-budget fundraising event were repulsive by even his own low standards. O’Leary has become Ireland’s answer to Donald Trump, spouting false, dangerous and insulting far-right rhetoric. O’Leary’s demonisation of workers like those from Dublin Bus, for having the gall of fighting for a better standard of living, highlights his utter disdain for working-class people.’

Dignam continued:

‘It comes as no surprise to hear that O’Leary’s comments denouncing workers and calling for large-scale privatisations were greatly received by the Fine Gael supporting audience. Fine Gael’s status as party-of-the-elite was further highlighted with businesses forking out €550 per table. Minister Noonan’s introduction of O’Leary as ‘Ireland’s leading businessman’ is insulting to all the Ryanair workers who have suffered terrible working conditions and treatment under O’Leary’s stewardship. O’Leary should be condemned, not lauded as some kind of leading business light.’

Dignam concluded:

‘It is frustrating to see O’Leary being considered as a respectable voice on politics by large sections of the media. The economic crisis was created by people like O’Leary whose sole purpose is to make exorbitant profits for a small elite, off the backs of the majority’s toil. The type of far-right society that O’Leary espouses would be utterly disastrous for working-class people across the State. Let’s not give it any credence.’