The Prime Minister of Ireland has publicly criticized Conor McGregor following the mixed martial artist’s visit to the White House with Donald Trump. The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, stated that McGregor does not represent Ireland after the former US President called the fighter his “favorite Irishman.”
McGregor, 36, visited The White House for a meeting in the Oval Office and a press conference where he criticized immigration policies. He asserted that “Ireland is on the cusp of losing its Irishness” due to “illegal immigration.” The fighter condemned his own government, accusing the current administration of “zero action with zero accountability.”
Prime Minister Martin responded to these remarks, stating on social media that “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.”
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also distanced the Irish government from McGregor’s statements, clarifying, “Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland. He’s here in a personal capacity. He doesn’t speak for Ireland. He doesn’t speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such.”
Despite the criticism, McGregor lauded Trump as “inspiring” and referred to the US as Ireland’s “big sibling,” expressing hope for continued positive relations and support from the United States.
McGregor, who has previously expressed interest in running for Irish president, signed a cap with the slogan “Make Ireland Great Again” during his visit. Deputy Prime Minister Harris indicated that he does not believe McGregor should be the next Irish president, stating that elections should be decided by the people of Ireland and that he does not expect McGregor to win.
McGregor’s visit followed shortly after the Irish Prime Minister’s own meeting with Trump at the White House. During that earlier meeting, Trump had commented on Irish taxation policies and their impact on US companies.
McGregor’s White House appearance occurs after a civil jury ruling against him in a sexual assault case from 2018. Nikita Hand accused McGregor of assault, allegations he is appealing, maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
