Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has apologised for a joke he made about ‘making love to the Queen’ just months after he embarked on a charm offensive to woo customers.
The airline’s chief executive made the gaff while addressing UK MPs and Taoiseach Enda Kenny at a British-Irish Assembly in Dublin ahead of Irish President Michael D Higgins’ visit to England.
He began his speech by saying: "Addressing such an august body as this reminds me much of making love to the Queen of England – you know it is a great honour, you’re just not sure how much pleasure it is going to be."
Conservative politician Andrew Rosindell, who was among the guests, demanded O’Leary apologise for the joke.
In response, O’Leary said: "I happily apologise for my opening remarks. It is always hard to judge the room. It normally is a joke that works quite well and I thought it might work well here."
He added: "I didn’t mean to convey any discourtesy and I apologise if I did."
Although O’Leary is well-known for his brash remarks, he recently acknowledged the airline, voted the worst brand for customers service by Which? magazine, needed to be more consumer-friendly.
He told shareholders the airline should "try to eliminate things that unnecessarily p**s people off".
It has since reduced its fees for baggage and printing boarding passes at the airport and revamped its website.
