"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. His comments sparked a wave of backlash from teachers and politicians alike, highlighting the perception of teachers in political roles. He emphasized his support for Mr Burke, whose private sector experience, he suggested, is more beneficial for effective governance.
The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) reacted strongly, stating, "Teachers are the backbone of our country, shaping futures, inspiring minds, and driving the success of our society. The recent remarks by the CEO of Ryanair...are both outrageous and deeply insulting to the dedication and hard work of Ireland's teachers." This underscores the critical role teachers play and the public's response to perceived disrespect.
Taoiseach Simon Harris weighed in, saying he disagreed with Mr O'Leary's remarks, insisting that, "Teachers are really the backbone of Irish society, of our communities, and I'm not sure there's many people who'd last five minutes standing at the front of a class." He highlighted the essential value of teachers in shaping society and the need for diverse experiences in the Dáil.
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