The Irish prime minister has strongly criticized comments made by Conor McGregor during his visit to the White House, where the former MMA fighter spoke out against immigration in Ireland. His remarks came ahead of a St. Patrick’s Day meeting with the U.S. president.
McGregor claimed that Ireland was at risk of “losing its Irishness” and accused an “illegal immigration racket” of overwhelming the country. His statements drew immediate backlash from political leaders, who argued they did not reflect the inclusive spirit of the holiday.
Dressed in a green business suit, McGregor participated in an impromptu press briefing at the White House, where he stood alongside the president’s press secretary. He claimed that rural towns in Ireland had been “overrun in one swoop” and that he was raising awareness about the issue. He also expressed interest in hearing the U.S. president’s views on immigration, a key focus of the administration’s policies.
His remarks were quickly condemned by the Irish government. The prime minister stated that McGregor’s views were inaccurate and did not represent the people of Ireland. He emphasized that St. Patrick’s Day was a celebration of community, humanity, and friendship, rather than division.
McGregor’s political affiliations have been notable in recent years. He attended an official pre-inauguration party in Washington earlier this year and has been publicly supported by prominent figures known for their strong views on immigration and social issues. The former UFC champion has long been associated with key figures in the fighting industry, including a high-profile promoter who maintains close ties to the U.S. president.
Legal troubles have also followed McGregor. In a November court ruling, he was ordered to pay nearly €250,000 in damages to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor has denied the allegations, maintaining that their encounter was consensual, and has appealed the decision, with a hearing scheduled in the near future.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, McGregor has indicated that he is considering a run for the Irish presidency later this year. While some believed the court ruling might end his political aspirations, he has continued to garner support from high-profile figures in online spaces.
Immigration remains a pressing issue in Ireland, with increasing numbers of individuals crossing into the Republic from Northern Ireland. In response, the Irish government has pledged to take a stricter approach to border enforcement. The justice minister recently revealed that over 80% of asylum applications in January were initially rejected, signaling a tougher stance on immigration policies.
The debate over immigration in Ireland continues to grow, with government officials pushing for measured responses while figures like McGregor advocate for more extreme action. His comments at the White House have only added fuel to an already heated discussion, drawing sharp divisions within Irish society.
