Fine Gael minister distances himself from Michael O'Leary comments about teachers at campaign event

"The Dáil is full of teachers - nothing wrong with teachers, I love teachers - but I wouldn't generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done," Mr O'Leary said, drawing laughter from the assembled audience.

"It's hard enough to get teachers into our classrooms at this time, so I really think that Simon Harris, as the leader of Fine Gael, needs to come out and clarify this matter," said Ms McDonald, expressing frustration.

SF TD Louise O'Reilly responded vehemently on social media: "Jesus wept. This is what Peter Burke and Fine Gael think of teachers. Listen to them all laughing."

Responding to the comments on RTÉ radio, Mr Burke said: "Those comments, absolutely, I don't agree with", whilst praising Mr O'Leary's "success and vision".

Read at Irish Independent