Irish Prime Minister Rejects Ryanair CEO's Claim He Will Yield to Unions

At a Wolfe Tone ceremony in Bodenstown, Co Kildare, Taoiseach Micheál Martin rejected Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary’s claim that he would roll over to public-sector trade unions. Martin emphasized the importance of a strong public service but warned that any future pay settlement must be tied to productivity improvements and fiscal responsibility. He declined to comment on whether a differentiated raise for higher- and lower-paid staff would be considered, saying the details belong to the negotiation process.

Martin recalled that earlier agreements targeted larger increases for lower-paid employees and said the government will listen to union proposals. Talks are set to start at the Workplace Relations Commission on Monday, with a €1.2 billion budget allocation for the deal, though Martin refused to discuss tapping a €1.6 billion contingency fund. He concluded that no figures are final and the outcome will emerge from the forthcoming negotiations.