Ryanair Group chief executive Michael O'Leary has launched a scathing attack on Taoiseach Micheal Martin, accusing him of spending "more time abroad than Elton John" while neglecting critical domestic issues.
Infrastructure and Housing Criticisms
During a press conference at The Mayson Hotel in Dublin, the outspoken airline boss called on the Irish premier to urgently address the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, alongside broader infrastructure and housing challenges facing the nation.
Mr O'Leary highlighted that despite government commitments to abolish the controversial 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport, the restriction remains firmly in place thirteen months into the current administration's tenure.
Dublin Airport Cap Controversy
The passenger cap, originally imposed as a planning condition by the airport's local authority, has become a focal point of both legal and political debate. Proponents argue that lifting the cap is essential for maintaining Ireland's economic growth and international connectivity, while opponents contend it should remain to support the country's ambitious target of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
"Micheal Martin has, 13 months later, still failed to scrap the Dublin Airport cap, which he promised to do as soon as possible," Mr O'Leary stated bluntly to assembled reporters.
'Worldwide Tour' Accusations
The Ryanair executive suggested the Taoiseach's extensive international travel schedule was to blame for the lack of progress on domestic matters. "We believe it's because he's too busy on his worldwide tour, he spends more time abroad than Elton John does," he remarked, employing characteristically colourful language.
Mr O'Leary went further, accusing Mr Martin of "eating Ferrero Rocher and doing bugger all at home" regarding the airport cap, housing policy, and infrastructure development.
International Itinerary Scrutinised
During his presentation, the airline chief provided what he described as "a brief snapshot of the last four months in our glorious leader's life", detailing numerous foreign engagements. According to Mr O'Leary's account, the Taoiseach attended the Cop30 conference in Brazil, the G20 summit in South Africa, and a jobs summit in Angola during November alone, followed by a trip to China in January.
He also claimed Mr Martin was currently "dossing" in Davos, Switzerland, attending the World Economic Forum meetings this week.
Government Productivity Questioned
"It's not like they've been busy passing other legislation last year," Mr O'Leary continued, expressing broader frustration with the government's productivity. "This Government does very little, but it's led by somebody who spends far too much time being wheeled around abroad, meeting global leaders."
He added a specific critique of the Taoiseach's working patterns: "Which would be fine, as long as you were having a Cabinet meeting here at 8.30 on a Monday morning and getting stuff done, he wanders in it about 11 o'clock on Tuesday and then disappears to Davos for a couple of days."
Responding to Criticism
When questioned about whether recent insults from tech billionaire Elon Musk – following Mr O'Leary's own previous attacks on former Green Party ministers Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin – represented a taste of his own medicine, the Ryanair CEO responded defiantly: "I'm well able to take my own medicine."
The exchange underscores growing tensions between Ireland's business community and political leadership over the pace of policy implementation, particularly regarding transport infrastructure and environmental targets.
