Michael O’Leary Says Micheál Martin “Useless” and Questions His Future as Taoiseach
DUBLIN, IRELAND - Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has launched a blistering critique of Taoiseach Micheál Martin, accusing the government leader of failing to deliver on key national priorities and casting doubt on whether Martin will still be Taoiseach by July 2026 when Ireland takes up the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In an extensive interview with the Irish Independent, O’Leary criticised the Taoiseach’s leadership style and the pace of progress on infrastructure, housing and airport expansion. He described the Government as “bureaucratic” and “doing f**k all” on issues he believes are critical for Ireland’s economic development most notably the failure to reverse the passenger cap at Dublin Airport and improve transport infrastructure.
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O’Leary singled out Martin by name, complaining that the Taoiseach was absent from public scrutiny while travelling abroad and failing to deliver action at home. “Who’s the Taoiseach? Micheál ‘do nothing’ Martin,” O’Leary said, accusing him of prioritising photo opportunities over substantive policy action.
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The Ryanair boss went further, saying that political pressure including upcoming by elections could jeopardise Martin’s position. “I do not think Micheál Martin will still be Taoiseach in July when Ireland begins its presidency,” O’Leary said, framing his prediction around both internal government performance and the challenges facing the coalition.
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O’Leary’s Broader Political and Economic Critique
Throughout the interview, O’Leary was scathing about government decision making processes, asserting that civil service inertia was stifling economic progress. He contrasted the Coalition’s management with what he described as the private sector’s faster pace of execution and accountability.
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While O’Leary emphasised that his company continues to grow and meet performance targets, he used his platform to underscore a broader frustration with political leadership, telling opposition and government alike to “get things done” or risk losing public confidence and political stability.
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Political Fallout and Public Impact
O’Leary’s remarks arrive at a time when the Government is under scrutiny over delivery on major campaign commitments, including housing, transport, and post‑pandemic economic strategy. Though his prediction about Martin’s future leadership remains speculative and contingent on political developments, his language echoes criticisms from opposition figures about government performance.
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Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 28 December 2025
Image Credit - The Irish Independent