Irish Leader Condemns Conor McGregor’s Anti-Immigration Remarks

 

Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor sparked controversy during his recent visit to the White House, where he criticized Ireland’s immigration policies ahead of a St. Patrick’s Day meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking in the White House briefing room, McGregor claimed that Irish citizens felt abandoned by their government and that rural towns were being overwhelmed by immigration.

“Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness,” he said.

McGregor, who has hinted at a possible run for Ireland’s presidency, insisted that the American public needed to be made aware of what he described as a crisis in his home country.

Irish Leader Rejects McGregor’s Statements

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin quickly denounced McGregor’s comments, emphasizing that they did not reflect the values of Ireland or the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

“Ireland’s national day is rooted in community, humanity, friendship, and fellowship,” Martin posted on social media. “These remarks do not represent the people of Ireland.”

McGregor has been vocal about his anti-immigration stance for years, previously supporting protests against immigration policies. His statements have often been circulated by far-right groups, drawing criticism from political leaders.

McGregor’s Controversial Legacy

McGregor’s White House appearance followed a meeting between Martin and Trump, during which the U.S. president praised the fighter.

“Oh, there’s so many [Irish people I admire]—are you kidding me?” Trump said when asked about his favorite Irish figure. “Well, I do happen to like your fighter; he’s got the best tattoos I’ve ever seen. Conor’s great, right?”

Once the biggest star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, McGregor remains a divisive figure in Ireland.

In addition to his political statements, he has faced multiple legal challenges. A civil lawsuit in Dublin last year resulted in a jury awarding damages to a woman who accused McGregor of sexual assault in 2018, though he has denied the allegations and vowed to appeal. Additionally, a woman in the U.S. accused him of sexual battery during the 2023 NBA Finals in Miami, though no criminal charges were filed.

Despite his turbulent reputation, McGregor continues to make headlines, both in and out of the ring.