Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned anti-immigration remarks made by Conor McGregor during a St Patrick's Day visit to the White House. The MMA fighter, invited by President Donald Trump, said Ireland was 'on the cusp of losing its Irishness' due to an 'illegal immigration racket'.
Speaking in the White House briefing room alongside press secretary Karoline Leavitt, McGregor claimed rural towns in Ireland had been 'overrun in one swoop'. He said he was there to highlight the issue and would be listening to Trump on immigration policy.
Martin responded on X, stating McGregor's comments 'do not reflect the spirit of St Patrick's Day, or the views of the people of Ireland'. He added that the national day is rooted in 'community, humanity, friendship and fellowship'.
McGregor, who last year was found liable for sexual assault in a civil trial, has been a prominent figure in the UFC, whose CEO Dana White is a Trump ally. The fighter is appealing the civil verdict, with a hearing due in Dublin's High Court this week.
Immigration is a contentious issue in Ireland, with many arrivals entering via Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has pledged to clamp down on those not entitled to protection, noting that over 80% of asylum applications were rejected in January.
