Comments by Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary comparing rival airlines to “rapists” have been condemned as “disgusting” by a Dublin senator.
Fianna Fáil Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee said the remarks represented a new low in the controversial rhetoric associated with the airline boss and demonstrated a lack of empathy towards survivors of sexual violence.
Senator Clifford-Lee, whose constituency neighbours Dublin Airport, is Fianna Fáil’s Seanad spokesperson on transport and a member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee.
“These comments are disgusting and represent a new low in the kind of rhetoric we have come to expect from Michael O’Leary,” she said.
“This goes far beyond being provocative or controversial. It shows an extraordinary lack of empathy for victims and survivors of rape and sexual violence.”
Senator Clifford-Lee, a qualified solicitor, said her previous work with survivors of gender-based violence had shown her the devastating and lasting effects such crimes can have.
“Anyone who has sat with survivors, listened to their stories and understood the horrific, life-altering impact that rape and sexual violence can have would never use that term so casually to describe a commercial competitor,” she said.
The senator argued that the prominence of the Ryanair chief executive made his choice of language particularly damaging.
“Words matter, particularly when they come from someone with the public profile and platform that Michael O’Leary has,” she said.
“This appears to be another attempt by Michael O’Leary to say whatever he can to grab a headline.
“However, in doing so, he has shown a complete lack of decency and respect for survivors of rape and sexual violence.”
Senator Clifford-Lee called on Mr O’Leary to retract the comparison and apologise publicly.
“He should withdraw these remarks and apologise to the survivors who will quite understandably have been hurt and angered by them,” she said.