Conor McGregor’s White House immigration rant sparks Irish PM’s rebuke

Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has drawn sharp criticism from Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin after making anti-immigration remarks during a visit to the White House.

McGregor, 36, attended a St. Patrick’s Day event hosted by US President Donald Trump, where he claimed that Ireland was “on the cusp of losing its Irishness” due to what he called an “illegal immigration racket.” Speaking from the White House briefing room, McGregor asserted that rural towns in Ireland were being “overrun in one swoop.”

His comments were swiftly condemned by Martin, who stated they did not reflect the values of Ireland or the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

“Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong and do not reflect the views of the people of Ireland,” Martin said in a statement on social media. “St. Patrick’s Day is a day of community, humanity, friendship, and fellowship.”

Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also distanced the government from McGregor’s stance, emphasising that the fighter was not representing Ireland at the White House.

Ireland has seen a record influx of asylum seekers in recent years, making immigration a divisive issue. While the country has traditionally been known for its welcoming policies, protests against refugee accommodations have emerged in various regions.

The government has pledged to tighten immigration controls, but few elected officials share McGregor’s strong anti-immigration views.

McGregor’s remarks align with Trump’s hardline approach to immigration. The US president has prioritised deportations and border control since beginning his second term in January, declaring illegal immigration a national emergency.

McGregor, a former UFC champion, has long been a polarising figure in both sports and public discourse. Last year, an Irish court found him civilly liable for assaulting a woman at a Dublin party in 2018 and ordered him to pay nearly €250,000 ($273,000) in damages. He is currently appealing the verdict.

Despite his legal troubles, McGregor has expressed interest in running for the largely ceremonial role of Irish president in October’s election. However, securing a nomination would be challenging, as candidates require backing from 20 lawmakers or four of Ireland’s 31 local councils.

McGregor’s comments at the White House have further fuelled debate over his potential political ambitions. While he remains a prominent figure in Ireland, his anti-immigration rhetoric has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders and the public.

The White House has not commented on whether it endorses McGregor’s remarks. However, Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, praised his visit, stating, “We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick’s Day.”