Conor McGregor's White House immigration comments draw rebuke from Irish PM
The Hindu
Conor McGregor criticizes Ireland's immigration policies during St. Patrick's Day visit to Trump, drawing rebuke from Irish leaders.
Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor used a St. Patrick's Day visit to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday (March 17, 2025) to criticise Ireland's immigration policies, drawing a rebuke from the country's prime minister.
Mr. McGregor, wearing a green pinstripe suit, visited with Mr. Trump and senior administration officials. Just last week Mr. Trump hosted Ireland's prime minister for a more traditional celebration of the nations' close ties.
"Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland," Mr. McGregor said in the White House press briefing room. "The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country."
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin condemned the comments, and Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said Mr. McGregor was not in the White House representing Ireland.
"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," Mr. Martin, whose coalition government was re-elected last November, said on social media.
A country that has long prided itself on being welcoming to migrants, Ireland has struggled to accommodate record numbers of asylum seekers in the last two years, pushing the issue up the political agenda and leading to some protests against refugee accommodation around the country.
Mr. McGregor's comments came as Mr. Trump has launched a hardline policy to crack down on illegal immigration, which he declared a national emergency when he kicked off the policy the day of his inauguration to a second term in the White House in January.
Sudanese paramilitary drone strike kills 50, including 33 children, in Kordofan, escalating violence amid ongoing conflict.
A mass shooting at a Pretoria hostel leaves 11 dead, including a child, highlighting South Africa's escalating gun violence crisis.
Russia launches a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic talks to resolve the four-year conflict.
Israeli defence firm IWI plans to supply 40,000 LMGs to India next year, enhancing local production and collaboration.
Pakistan's Punjab Province foils a major terror plot, arresting 24 terrorists and seizing explosives during extensive operations.
Iranian authorities file a criminal case against marathon organizers for allowing women to compete without hijabs, amid rising enforcement calls.
Indian student Sahaja Reddy Udumala dies from severe injuries in a house fire while pursuing her Master’s in Albany, NY.
U.K. sanctions British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal for alleged ties to pro-Khalistan terrorism, freezing his assets and disqualifying him as a director.
New York woman Stacey Taylor charged with smuggling Indian nationals into the U.S. faces severe legal consequences.
Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order impacting children of undocumented immigrants.
A U.S. deportation flight carrying 172 Venezuelan migrants lands in Caracas amidst heightened military tensions and ongoing drug trafficking claims.
FIFA awards President Trump a peace prize, marking a significant shift from its traditional sports focus during the 2026 World Cup draw.
PM Modi emphasizes the enduring India-Russia friendship, highlighting energy ties and new collaborations during Putin's visit.