Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Michael O'Leary wants to give Greeks free flights (but he thinks their leaders are lunatics)

And his message for the people: Stop drinking coffee, go back to work.

NEVER SHORT OF ideas for new ways to generate publicity, Ryanair are planning to offer free flights on some domestic routes in the country for the next two weeks.

According to Bloomberg, the budget carrier wants to waive charges for Greek nationals on flights between Athens and a number of other airports, starting from next week.

For the plan to go ahead, the company says, aviation authorities and airports would also have to forgo their fees.

“Ryanair is now requesting our partners to join our commitment by easing the pressure on the Greek people in making this beneficial gesture,” a Ryanair statement said, according to the business website.

Just yesterday, boss Michael O’Leary was in typically outspoken form, as he generated some publicity of his own speaking to George Hook on Newstalk.

Asked about the Greek crisis, he described the current government as a “bunch of lunatics”.

Britain Europe Ryanair Associated Press Associated Press

He added:

“More Greeks need to pay tax, we need to close the black market and less Greeks need to live off pensions.”

If you are of a working age, go out and work. You can’t be retiring, sitting in a cafe drinking coffee and expecting the Germans and the Irish to pay for you.

The ‘get back to work’ comments are already making headlines outside of Ireland, by the way.

TheJournal.ie has asked Ryanair for comment on the Greek flights.

Read: Greece needs billions and has until midnight to get it

Read: Greece latest: Prime Minister makes formal request for third bailout

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
111 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds