Ivan Yates returned to Irish airwaves two months ago after his hiatus in the US, and he’s already causing controversy.
The Yates on Sunday host appeared on Brendan O’Connor’s Cutting Edge on RTÉ last night, and commented that the State has ‘scarce resources’ and families should only have children if they can afford them.
While Yates was revered on radio - particularly Newstalk Breakfast - for his anti-PC rhetoric and blunt manner, his appearance last night wasn't as well-received by Twitter.
The usual threshold of reactionary guff on #cuttingedge from Ivan Yates Blueshirt hack. The state should be paying for childcare.
— Communist_Ire (@XXIC_Spailpeen) 26 April 2017
Many were quick to point out that the former Fine Gael TD is on a State pension. DIT lecturer Ken Foxe wrote: “Man who gets a €70k-a-year political pension says the state has 'scarce resources' and tough luck to parents #CuttingEdge”.
Man who gets a €70k-a-year political pension says the state has 'scarce resources' and tough luck to parents #CuttingEdge pic.twitter.com/IlWtIHHn46
— Ken Foxe (@kenfoxe) 26 April 2017
Some people, however agreed with his comments. A user said: “Ivan Yates talking perfect common sense, Don't expect someone else raise your kids #cuttingedge”.
Ivan Yates talking perfect common sense, Don't expect someone else raise your kids #cuttingedge
— Cheetah fencing (@ElecFencer) 26 April 2017
Another praised his no-holds style of commentary: “Don't stop being you Ivan. Honest, smart and razor sharp. Ignore the braying PC brigade #CuttingEdge”.
Don't stop being you Ivan. Honest, smart and razor sharp. Ignore the braying PC brigade #CuttingEdge
— Dolly White (@DollyWh72057454) 26 April 2017
Every family with a child under three years old is entitled to a universal payment of €12 per week from September under the Government’s €19m Affordable Childcare Scheme, which was announced last year.
The payment is for families availing of childcare by a Tusla-registered childcare service, and is available to all income levels. This will alleviate the cost of childcare for families, which averages at around €167 per week for full-time care.
What do you think of Ivan's comments?
