Taoiseach Condemns McGregor’s Anti-Immigration Remarks
Ireland’s Taoiseach has rebuked anti-immigration statements made by mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Conor McGregor during a White House visit preceding a St. Patrick’s Day meeting with Donald Trump.
McGregor’s Comments on Immigration
McGregor asserted that “Ireland is on the cusp of losing its Irishness” and decried an “illegal immigration racket” that was purportedly “running ravage on the country.”
Trump’s Association With McGregor
- Last week, Trump identified “Conor” as one of his preferred Irish individuals.
- McGregor was at the White House at Trump’s invitation, dressed in a green suit to commemorate Ireland’s national day.
- He participated in an impromptu Q&A session with reporters.
Speaking in the White House briefing room alongside the president’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, McGregor stated, “There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop.”
Reactions and Context
The 36-year-old former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion indicated his intention to “raise the issue and highlight it” and that he would be following Trump’s views on immigration – a key focus for the president as he seeks to increase deportations of individuals in the U.S. without legal documentation.
These impromptu comments were swiftly condemned by Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach. On X, the Irish Prime Minister stated, “Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.” He added, “St Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship.”
McGregor was among those at an official pre-inauguration gathering in Washington in January. He has been one of the UFC’s most prominent stars, an organization founded by Trump ally Dana White.
Legal and Political Background
In November, an Irish civil court mandated McGregor pay nearly €250,000 (£210,000) in damages to a woman who alleged he “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor maintained the encounter was consensual and is contesting the verdict, with a hearing scheduled in Dublin’s high court later this week.
Additionally, the fighter has mentioned his consideration of a presidential run in Ireland later this year.
McGregor has received support from figures such as self-proclaimed misogynist influencer Andrew Tate and anti-immigration advocates in Ireland.
Immigration remains a topical issue in Ireland, with many arrivals entering Northern Ireland via ferries or planes and crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has pledged to take action against those not eligible for international protection. He shared that over 80% of asylum applications in January were initially rejected.