Ryanair would quit Ireland if Sinn Féin takes power and “messes around” with the country’s competitive corporate tax regime, its chief executive has warned.
Left-wing Sinn Féin, which now enjoys a commanding lead in the polls in the Republic, is “economically illiterate”, Michael O’Leary said.
He said: “We may well look at moving the headquarters out of Ireland. If corporation tax rates start getting messed around with by a Sinn Féin government then yes, we would move. We wouldn’t have any difficulty leaving.”
Mr O’Leary has masterminded the success of Ryanair since the early nineties, from a base close to Dublin Airport. Ireland has now established itself as a hub for the global aviation industry, with some of the world’s biggest leasing companies basing themselves in the Republic.
Despite Ryanair’s heritage, Mr O’Leary said he was prepared to move if necessary.
He said: “We see ourselves as a major European success story. We’re the number one airline in most of the European countries we operate. We’re proud of being Irish, but I wouldn’t die in a ditch over it.”
