Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has described as “disgraceful” the jeering and demeaning of teachers at a Fine Gael election event.
She asked if Fine Gael leader Simon Harris stands over this shocking disrespect of Ireland’s teachers.
Ms. McDonald said, “This was a Fine Gael event for a Fine Gael election campaign where teachers were mocked and demeaned from a Fine Gael stage.
“It’s incredibly disrespectful to teachers who work very hard for our children and for the future of the country. It’s just plain wrong.
“This is the demeaning attitude towards teachers being displayed by Simon Harris’ party. He should be asked to account for it. It requires an explanation from him as leader of Fine Gael. How can he stand over it?”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke, has said that a leaked video, which shows Fine Gael members applauding and cheering on sneering and disparaging remarks made about teachers, revealed the party’s contempt for teachers and workers.
The incident took place at the general election campaign launch for Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, and Ms Clarke called on the Fine Gael Minister and his party leader, Simon Harris, to apologise.
Sorca Clarke said, “To hear teachers being spoken of with such disregard and contempt at Peter Burke’s election campaign launch is unacceptable. No workers should be demeaned in this way.
“It is staggering, but very telling, that not only were these remarks allowed to go unchecked, but they were actually applauded, lapped up and cheered on by Fine Gaelers in attendance.
“This was Peter Burke’s event. He needs to apologise to teachers and workers and, as party leader, Simon Harris needs to clarify whether he stands over Fine Gael members jeering teachers.
“The tone, the words and the attitude contained in the leaked video show very clearly to the electorate where Fine Gael’s priorities lie.
“Fine Gael are not on the side of teachers. Fine Gael have no interest in improving our education system, reducing class sizes by ensuring we have enough teachers or that teachers who are currently working abroad can see a future for themselves here at home.
“The reality is Fine Gael will never be on the side of workers, whether they be in the private sector or public sector.
“Last month, Fine Gael chose to trumpet as a victory that they would not increase sick leave, now their party members are laughing at and mocking hard-working teachers.
“They should be ashamed of themselves.”
