Conor McGregor, the 36-year-old former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion, found himself at the center of a heated debate following his visit to the White House. Invited by former President Donald Trump, McGregor engaged in an impromptu Q&A session with reporters, where he expressed controversial views on immigration in Ireland. His remarks have been met with widespread condemnation.
During his appearance, McGregor stated his intention to "raise the issue and highlight" immigration challenges in Ireland, emphasizing his willingness to listen to Trump's perspectives on the matter. He asserted that Ireland is "on the cusp of losing its Irishness" due to what he described as an "illegal immigration racket" affecting the nation.
"Ireland is on the cusp of losing its Irishness" – Conor McGregor
These comments have sparked immediate backlash from Irish political figures, including Micheál Martin, the taoiseach. Martin condemned McGregor's remarks, stating they were "wrong" and did not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day or the views of Ireland's populace.
"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" – Micheál Martin
McGregor's statements have found support from figures like Andrew Tate and various anti-immigration campaigners within Ireland. Furthermore, Elon Musk's retweets have amplified McGregor's comments, drawing significant attention on social media platforms.
In addition to his controversial stance on immigration, McGregor's legal troubles also remain in the spotlight. He was found liable for sexual assault following a civil trial last year, ordered to pay nearly €250,000 in damages to a woman who accused him of rape and assault in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor has claimed the encounter was consensual and is appealing the verdict, with a hearing scheduled in Dublin's high court later this week.
Despite these challenges, McGregor has hinted at his political ambitions, stating he is contemplating a presidential run in Ireland later this year.