MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin Faces Backlash Over Facebook Video Featuring ‘Enoch Burkeing’ Outside Leinster House
Dublin-based Member of the European Parliament Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has attracted significant online attention and public criticism following a video posted to his official Facebook page three days ago. In the widely circulating clip which has already generated well over 1,300 comments and counting Ó Ríordáin can be seen outside Leinster House stating he was doing “a bit of Enoch Burkeing” while closing up the office for the Christmas break, followed by a Christmas message to his followers.
The phrase “Enoch Burkeing” appeared to reference Enoch Burke, the controversial Irish former teacher and activist who has spent considerable time in prison for repeated breaches of court orders, not for his views themselves. This video has triggered a fierce online debate, with many social media users condemning the comments as unprofessional and provocative for an elected representative. Others have weighed in with a variety of views on both Ó Ríordáin’s conduct and the broader Enoch Burke situation.
What’s Going On With Enoch Burke?
To provide factual context, Enoch Burke is a former teacher who became a national figure through a prolonged legal dispute with Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath. The dispute began after he refused to comply with a directive to use a student’s chosen pronouns, leading to suspension and later dismissal from his teaching position. Despite multiple court orders instructing him to stay away from the school, Burke repeatedly attended the property, resulting in repeated findings of civil contempt of court.
The Irish Times
In November, a High Court judge ordered Burke’s return to prison on foot of civil contempt charges, noting his ongoing breaches of court orders. Burke has now spent more than 500 days in prison over multiple terms for his refusal to obey these orders, and has accumulated significant fines for contempt and ongoing legal costs.
waterford-news.ie
A separate disciplinary appeals process regarding his dismissal from the school concluded recently, with a final decision on his appeal to be delivered at a later date. Burke continues to be paid by the Department of Education while that appeal remains pending.
theliberal.ie
It’s important to note, despite how the case is framed online in some quarters that Burke’s imprisonment is not formally for his beliefs or public statements, but rather for civil contempt of court orders requiring him not to trespass on the school property.
ukfactcheck.com
Public Reaction and Professional Standards
The video posted by MEP Ó Ríordáin has drawn a strong reaction on social media, with critics arguing that a public representative’s description of his activity in terms of a polarising figure’s name particularly one currently incarcerated is unprofessional and insensitive. Commenters across the platform expressed concern that such language may further inflame public divisions rather than promote respectful political discourse.
While debate over public figures, legal cases, and cultural issues is a legitimate part of democratic life, many commenters emphasised that elected officials are held to higher standards of conduct, owing to their role as representatives of a broad and diverse electorate. These critics recommend that political communication avoid language that might be seen as mocking, polarising, or diminishing the seriousness of ongoing legal proceedings.
Looking Ahead
As the online debate continues to grow, it highlights the challenges politicians face in balancing engagement with constituents and maintaining professionalism, particularly around sensitive and widely debated topics. The reaction to Ó Ríordáin’s video underscores how quickly online discourse can become heated and how public officials must carefully consider the broader impact of their messaging.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 25 December 2025
