Is “reverse snobbery” holding Ireland back? 

Newstalk Breakfast host Ciara Kelly said many people in Ireland encounter it when they start to do well for themselves in life. 

It can be summed up in the sly put down of having ‘notions’ about yourself. 

“That implies that you’re getting above yourself - the tall poppy syndrome,” she said. 

“I do think that we have all sorts of reverse snobberies; you and I will recall on our show that we had a guest on who was very critical of Eve Hewson, Bono’s daughter… who would have had a privileged upbringing as a consequence. 

“She played a working class person in a film and [he thought] that was wrong. 

“Whereas no one would ever say Barry Keogh, who comes from the north inner city, that he shouldn’t be allowed to play a posh person.” 

Irish actor Barry Keoghan arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, 8-1-24 in Beverly Hills, California. Image: Associated Press / Alamy

Ciara feels this type of attitude benefits no one and people should be allowed to succeed or fail regardless of their background. 

“There is a reverse snobbery at play throughout and it holds us back from maybe embracing cultural art or music or culinary things,” she said. 

“But also, if you have a few bob or you’ve done well for yourself, that is something to be ashamed of.” 

Shane Coleman said he feels some people are even embarrassed about having a working class background. 

“I do see it in a lot of people in the arts, business and music,” he said. 

“They talk up their working class credentials.” 

When Ciara replied that she was “unapologetic” about being middle class, Shane responded that she is “unapologetic about everything”.

Main image: Ciara Kelly.