Conor McGregor's anti-immigration comments at the White House ahead of a St Patrick's Day meeting with Donald Trump have been condemned by Ireland's taoiseach, Micheál Martin. The MMA fighter stated that 'Ireland is on the cusp of losing its Irishness' and that an 'illegal immigration racket' was 'running ravage on the country'.
Speaking in the White House briefing room alongside press secretary Karoline Leavitt, McGregor wore a green business suit and said that 'rural towns in Ireland have been overrun in one swoop'. He added that he was 'here to raise the issue' and would be listening to Trump on immigration, a key focus for the US president as he seeks to ramp up deportations.
Micheál Martin responded on X, saying: '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 emphasised that St Patrick's Day is rooted in 'community, humanity, friendship and fellowship'.
McGregor, 36, was invited to the White House by Trump, who last week named him as one of his favourite Irish people. The former UFC champion was found liable for sexual assault in a civil trial last November and ordered to pay nearly €250,000 in damages; he is appealing the verdict.
Immigration is a contentious issue in Ireland, with many arrivals entering via Northern Ireland and crossing the invisible border. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has pledged to clamp down on those not entitled to protection, noting that over 80% of January's asylum applications were rejected at first instance.
