Michael O’Leary calling rival airlines 'rapists' results in 'free advertising' for Ryanair - Harris

Tánaiste Simon Harris at the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting, held at Amber Springs Hotel in Gorey, Co Wexford. Picture date: Thursday September 10, 2026.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said Michael O’Leary “knows exactly what he’s at” and that his comments calling rival airlines “rapists” has resulted in “free advertising” for Ryanair.

However, speaking to reporters at the start of the two-day Fine Gael think-in in Gorey, Co Wexford, Mr Harris did not say whether he believed he should apologise for the remarks.