Independent

Michael O’Leary’s criticism of teachers branded ‘disgraceful’ by Cork councillor

J.Smith4 hr ago
At a function for the Enterprise Minister Peter Burke's campaign launch Mr O'Leary said: "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."

The comments were roundly criticised by teachers' unions.

The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) described the comments as "outrageous and an insult to the dedication and hard work of our teachers".

Fianna Fáil councillor Bernard Moynihan said Mr O'Leary's comments were 'disgraceful' and caused great offence. "I am the product of Boherbue Comprehensive School. We got a great education in Boherbue from a fantastic group of teachers. It was very offensive to teachers, not alone current teachers but generations of past teachers. The comments were disgraceful and very offensive."

"It was ferociously insulting to teachers and I am deeply hurt by it," said Cllr Moynihan. "All the American companies coming here and creating thousands of jobs are doing so because of the rounded graduate that the education system is providing. They are coming to Ireland because of the quality students that are coming out of second and third level. Primary, secondary and pre-school teachers are all doing great work educating our young students."

With the general election scheduled to be held on Friday, November 29, Cllr Moynihan said the 'crass' comments from Mr O'Leary are being brought up by angry constituents on the canvass trail. "The cheering and jeering from the crowd was absolutely disgusting. The comments were very crass. I would like to see a lot of people go in and teach students. I am appalled by it.

"It was grossly insulting to current teachers, retired teachers and prospective teachers. I am out on the canvass trail and several people are bringing it up. There is a lot of anger there. Fine Gael need to distance themselves from those comments. It was very bad," he added.

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