Ryan Tubridy spoke about 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg on his RTÉ Radio One show this morning.

Greta made an emotional speech at a United Nations summit yesterday in which she criticised world leaders for their reaction to the climate crisis and told them they have "stolen my dreams and my childhood".

Tubridy said he's worried about the Swedish activist, adding that he doesn't think she should be in the spotlight.

"I just don’t think she should be put on a stage that size. It’s not good for her health. Not good for her mental health or her well being.

"Her face contorted in pain, in agony and in anxiety. I was watching her and not thinking about the climate. I was thinking about my daughter and what would I do if I saw my sixteen-year-old’s face contorted talking about her childhood and life being robbed."


He added: "She has Aspergers and she’s now up for grabs. A 16-year-old shouldn’t be up for grabs.

"I just don’t think she should be put on a stage that size. It’s not good for her health. Not good for her mental health or her well being."

Tubridy said Greta should be brought home to "watch a movie".

"Just go for a walk with your ma or your da," he added.

Tubridy's comments have received plenty of backlash online.