Harris welcomes O’Leary endorsement but says teachers quip unacceptable

Simon Harris has distanced his party from comments made by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, who suggested teachers should not lead the country, while endorsing a Fine Gael candidate.

It comes after the comments were described as “extremely offensive and hugely insulting” by political opponents and teachers’ unions.

The airline chief announced his support for a Fine Gael candidate in the general election, adding it was important to elect a government that “gets shit done”.

Mr O’Leary endorsed Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke in the Longford–Westmeath constituency, adding that he would give his second preference to Fianna Fáil candidate Robert Troy.

The multimillionaire based part of his endorsement on Mr Burke’s background in the private sector, as he criticised TDs who were teachers in the past. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is among those who have a background in teaching.

“The Dáil is full of teachers – nothing wrong with teachers, I love…