When I read in FT (April 29) the statement made in a press conference by Michael O'Leary of budget airline Ryanair that (I quote) the swine flu outbreak was a risk only to Asians and Mexicans “living in slums”, I was left wondering if I should blame his words on ignorance, insensitivity or prejudice.
Later in the FT piece he is quoted as saying that “It is a tragedy only for people living … in slums in Asia or
Mexico,” said Mr O’Leary, according to a report by the AFP news
agencies. “But will the honeymoon couple from Edinburgh die? No. A
couple of Strepsils [for sore throat] will do the job.”
It is a clear illustration of how people in positions of influence should think before they speak.