Ireland's taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has condemned anti-immigration comments made by Conor McGregor during a St Patrick's Day visit to the White House at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. The MMA fighter said Ireland was 'on the cusp of losing its Irishness' and claimed an 'illegal immigration racket' was 'running ravage on the country'.
Speaking in the White House briefing room alongside press secretary Karoline Leavitt, McGregor, dressed in a green business suit, said rural towns in Ireland had been 'overrun in one swoop'. He stated he was there to 'raise the issue and highlight it' and would be listening to Trump on immigration, a key focus for the president as he seeks to ramp up deportations.
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 added that the day is 'rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship'.
McGregor, who last year was found liable for sexual assault in a civil case and ordered to pay nearly €250,000 in damages, has been supported by figures including Andrew Tate and anti-immigration campaigners. He has also said he is considering running for president in Ireland later this year.
Immigration remains a contentious issue in Ireland, with many arrivals entering via Northern Ireland and crossing the invisible border. Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan has promised to clamp down on those not entitled to protection, noting that over 80% of asylum applications in January were rejected at first instance.
