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'Misogynist' and 'moronic': Irish politicians ramp up attacks on Conor McGregor over presidential run
Members of Irish parliament threw insults and derogatory remarks at UFC legend Conor McGregor when asked if they would support a nomination of the fighter for president.
McGregor has focused on mass immigration, public safety, and over-taxation in his bid to become the president of Ireland. Since his announcement that he would seek nomination, sentiments among his government have shifted from stating that he is not eligible to he should not be nominated.
An Irish presidential candidate must be at least 35 years old, be an Irish citizen, and be nominated by at least 20 members of Irish Parliament or by at least four county councils.
'I could not think of anyone more unfit.'
Exploring the possibility of a nomination for McGregor through parliamentarians, which includes senators and Teachtaí Dála, meaning members of the lower house of Irish parliament, Sky News procured responses from 134 of Ireland's 234 parliament members.
Of the 30 senators and 104 TDs that responded, none of them said they would support McGregor's nomination, nor did any say they would "maybe" support him.
The government officials went further than that, however, with several hurling insults and mockery at the 36-year-old.
"I genuinely would struggle to think of anyone worse to hold that position," Senator Garret Ahearn of center-right party Fine Gael stated.
Another Fine Gael TD, Maeve O'Connell, said the fighter's "divisive behaviour and rhetoric would be completely unsuitable for such a role."
"I could not think of anyone more unfit for public office," added TD Duncan Smith, from the socialist Labour Party.
Malcolm Byrne, a TD from the center-right Fianna Fail party, said there was "no evidence Mr. McGregor has the necessary skillset for the role."
His party mate, TD Cathal Crowe, said there "isn't a snowball's chance" McGregor would be elected.
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Other anonymous remarks were provided; a senator called McGregor a "moronic vulgarian" while another unnamed TD referred to him as a "misogynist and a thug."
This leaves a remaining 100 members of parliament for McGregor to secure 20 nomination votes from or go the route of four county councils.
McGregor recently responded to criticisms from Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who said McGregor does not speak for the people of Ireland.
"I am an employer of almost 300 people in the country of Ireland, he is an employer of none," the Irishman stated. "Every available metric has shown the government of Ireland, currently, has failed the people of Ireland."
The Irish government also recently revealed it was reviewing potential charges against the fighter for social media posts he made in 2023.
Ireland's equivalent to the U.S. attorney general opened a file that accused McGregor of incitement to hatred over saying Ireland was at "war" the night before riots in Dublin that followed the stabbing of five people, including three children, by a 50-year-old Algerian.
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Irish government considering charging Conor McGregor for inciting hate with 2023 social media posts
Irish government entities are considering charging former UFC champion Conor McGregor with hate speech-related violations over social media posts from November 2023.
The Irish Independent said it confirmed that specialist officers within the Irish National Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted an inquiry and sent a file to Ireland's director of public prosecutions. The DPP conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state and is comparable to the U.S. attorney general.
The file outlined a case against McGregor in relation to statements he made online in 2023. The night before riots in Dublin, McGregor reportedly posted, "Ireland, we are at war," on X, then Twitter.
The Irish Independent characterized McGregor's remarks as being in response to Ukrainians being permitted to vote in local Irish elections.
However, CNN reported the riots followed a stabbing of five people in Dublin, including three children. The attacker was later revealed to be 50-year-old Algerian Riad Bouchaker.
'May our truth never be silenced!'
McGregor has pressed hard against the Irish government over its immigration policies amid a bid to become president of Ireland.
The fighter even gave his current government a 12-day limit to create a plan surrounding "mass deportations" of criminals and illegal immigrants. If the government failed to adhere to the timeline, which concludes at the end of March, McGregor said he would be sending over his plan written on White House stationery.
McGregor later responded to the news report and said he would stand his ground.
"May our truth never be silenced! The fact is, if there is 7 years of zero resistance inside [the president's office] towards government, Ireland is done for. Magnify where we are right now today, x7000!" the 36-year-old wrote. "I would prefer to sail my yachts than have to approach the soulless, colourless gombeens of [Parliament] everyday, but if I do not, I am well aware Ireland’s faith [sic]. AND I WILL NEVER LET THAT HAPPEN!! Vote McGregor! The future of our country depends on it!"
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McGregor does meet the prerequisites to become Irish president if properly nominated, despite an online sentiment that he is ineligible. An Irish presidential candidate must be at least 35 years old, be an Irish citizen, and be nominated by at least 20 members of Irish Parliament or at least four county councils.
The public then votes on the presidential candidates.
Presidential powers, which are largely ceremonial unless aggressively applied, include appointing the prime minister, members of government, and judges. The Irish president can also dissolve or summon the Parliament.
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Conor McGregor says he will run for Irish president — promises end to mass immigration and tax slavery: 'I am the only one'
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has promised to end problems related to the mass intake of refugees if elected president of Ireland.
McGregor visited the White House on St. Patrick's Day and spoke briefly to media members about the "travesty" of the "illegal immigration racket" being perpetrated on the Irish public.
He then gave his current government a 12-day limit to create a plan surrounding "mass deportations" of criminals and illegal immigrants, as well as a way to end human trafficking in Ireland. If the government failed to adhere to the timeline, McGregor said he would be sending over his plan written on White House stationary.
'Ireland has a mass illegal migration problem.'
On Sunday, McGregor pushed the idea that he would run for Ireland's presidency in a series of posts on X that focused on immigration, refugees, and the overall quality of life for Irish citizens.
"Ireland has a mass illegal migration problem that is eradicating our communities and exacerbating our housing, homelessness, healthcare crisis, all while we are governed by those who usher it in at a rapid rate. In dead of the night at that!" McGregor wrote.
He added that the country does not have the proper infrastructure, services, or checks in place, and therefore must "stop and reverse" illegal immigration in order for the country to survive.
The 36-year-old then directed his attention to a "human trafficking racket" through refugee centers called International Protection Accommodation Services centers. IPAS is a segment of Ireland's Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth that deals with the accommodations of asylum seekers and refugees.
"An end to our hotels, our office blocks, our nursing homes, and now even our schools being transformed into IPAS centres must come into effect immediately!" McGregor exclaimed. "We have well over 300 IPAS centres now across Ireland with many more proposed for this year alone. The destruction of our country right before our eyes is being harboured by our own government!"
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McGregor later revealed he would not vote in favor of the European Union's migration pact without a vote from the Irish people and then said Irish citizens have been slaving away while their taxes pay for "new to the parish visitors."
"[Refugees/asylum seekers] receive all benefits under the sun, and also, now exposed (it was silent) their foreign imported vehicles fixed and paid for anytime needed," McGregor claimed. "Full exemption from driving on foreign reg plates, having zero tax and insurance, and on top of that your car repaired at full cost to the state! That is what the people of Ireland should get now! Because the absolute audacity!!"
Is he eligible?
Many have argued whether or not McGregor is legally eligible to run for the president of Ireland. According to government websites, McGregor does meet the qualifications but would need to be nominated by a given number of sitting government officials.
An Irish presidential candidate must be at least 35 years old, an Irish citizen, and be nominated by at least 20 members of Irish parliament or at least four county councils.
McGregor would then need to be elected by a vote of the people.
The Irishman has floated the idea of running for president since 2024 and has the potential to wield significant powers that are typically seen as ceremonial.
The presidential powers include appointing the prime minister, members of government, and judges. As well, the president can dissolve or summon the parliament, as McGregor has claimed.
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Conor McGregor gives Irish government 12 days to create 'mass deportation' plan or face action from the White House
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor gave a stern warning to critics who shot down his claims about Ireland's immigration and human trafficking problems.
McGregor made an appearance at the White House on St. Patrick's Day, where he made public comments about an "illegal immigration racket" that has caused Irish towns to be "overrun."
Since his visit, McGregor has shared news clippings about Irish police rejecting his claims and at least one politician reportedly calling his comments "outrageous" and not reflective of Ireland's positive outlook on "diversity."
According to Yahoo, Simon Harris, the second-ranking member of the Irish government, said there was a feeling of "disgust" toward McGregor in Ireland and that the fighter represents "the very worst of toxic masculinity."
'You have Twelve days.'
On Wednesday, McGregor took to his X account to address his detractors, saying the "ad hominem style attacks" against him were classic deflection tactics of Ireland's "government elite."
"What is your response / plan of action to the issues I raised? Ireland wants to know," McGregor continued.
"Don't make me keep going," McGregor warned. "Do what you’re told by the people of Ireland and we will have no issue here. Do not and it's over for you. I will publicly send my orders for you to implement and mark my words it will be made to be done."
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The 36-year-old then gave his government an ultimatum: Develop a plan to clean up illegal immigration, human trafficking, and welfare, or face word directly from the office of the president of the United States.
"You have Twelve days to present a clear plan of action, on 1. Dismantling Irelands human trafficking racket. 2. Mass deportation of dangerous, criminal, and radicalised imports, as well as all who entered illegally, as well as all who are a strain on our welfare system who have made no effort to secure employment or assimilate with Irish culture."
McGregor then called for "stringent border protection adjustments," before telling the Irish elites to "save yourselves" by saving the Irish population.
"Save Ireland, or my direct plan of action that Ireland and America wishes to see implemented will come in on White House paper attached with my signature," he added.
In 2024, McGregor flirted with running for office in Ireland, but has not mentioned it as seriously recently. Instead, he has focused on what he sees as the will of the working-class Irish.
Last September, McGregor called himself "the only logical choice" for president of Ireland and echoed his ongoing sentiments about "greedy and corrupted" politicians in his home country.
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Trump wins another golf tournament, signals it may be his last, as his courses are continually vandalized
President Donald Trump boasted about winning his club's golf championship while hinting that he would not compete in tournaments in the future.
The president announced that he won the golf club championship at his club in Palm Beach County, Florida, thanking his "wonderful Golf Staff" and the many "fantastic golfers" that participated in the event.
At the same time, however, Trump said the tournament could be his last.
"I just won the Golf Club Championship, probably my last, at Trump International Golf Club, in Palm Beach County, Florida," he wrote on Truth Social. "Such a great honor," Trump added.
The hint came as two of his European golf clubs were vandalized in the span of just one week, first in Scotland and then Ireland.
At Trump’s Turnberry golf course and hotel in southwest Scotland, activists reportedly painted "Gaza Is Not For Sale" in giant red letters.
According to the Associated Press, the crime was claimed by activist group Palestine Action, which said it "rejects Donald Trump’s treatment of Gaza as though it were his property to dispose of as he likes."
"To make that clear, we have shown him that his own property is not safe from acts of resistance," the group reportedly added in a statement.
Then, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland was infiltrated by pro-Palestine activists who caused damage to that course as well.
The Doonbeg, Ireland, property suffered "criminal damage," according to Irish police, per the BBC, including pro-Palestine graffiti.
Trump played golf at least 142 times in his first term, Newsweek reported, with at least 18 golf tournament wins to his name.
The Guardian published an article in 2018 that called Trump the "commander in cheat" over his wins and said the president had no credibility with golfers. The outlet went on to claim that Trump is only capable of winning at clubs he owns and cited an anecdote that he kicks out anyone who could beat him.
In 2024, Trump touted winning two tournaments in the same week at Trump International, including the senior championship.
"A great honor to have won both the Club Championship and the Senior Club Championship this week at Trump International," Trump wrote on Instagram.
Newsweek reported at the time that Trump owned 17 golf courses worldwide before he became president. According to a Wikipedia page on the topic, he now owns 20.
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Celebrating Saint Patrick, the slave who converted his captors
I remember when I first wanted to move to Ireland.
Oh, I’d seen beautiful photos, like this:
And in later years I was enchanted by films that painted a charming picture of Irish village life, like "Waking Ned Devine" (highly recommend).
Serve something Irish, and I don’t mean a shamrock-shaped Domino’s pizza. I’m pretty sure there’s a law that you must eat potatoes to truly celebrate Ireland.
But the real reason, held tightly in my elementary school heart, was that I read a story of how Saint Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland.
And man, do I hate snakes.
Of course I eventually realized that was a myth, which may have been an allegory for driving pagans out of the Emerald Isle, or something along those lines.
But I still may have to move to Ireland, because — here’s a cool thing — apparently the fossil record shows there never really were any snakes there. That’s my idea of heaven!
In reality, though, it turns out that the coolest thing about all this was Patrick himself. (And I’m going to refer to him as Patrick, because all of us who have been saved by faith in Christ are now saints in Him. Here’s a good explanation of that truth.)
The real Patrick
Patrick was British, born into a Christian family around the fifth century. He wasn’t really a believer himself, apparently, but things changed at age 16 after he was captured by Irish raiders who forced him into slavery in Ireland. The hardships he endured drove him back to God, and his faith deepened.
Six long years later, he managed to escape back to his family in Britain — but after a dream in which he understood God to tell him to return to Ireland, to convert the pagans to faith in the one true God, he did exactly that.
Patrick did not drive out all the pagans (or snakes), but he is reported to have planted churches and made thousands of converts. Perhaps due to his Christian family, which included a deacon and possibly other learned individuals, he also had quite a grasp of Scripture, as theologian and pastor Kevin DeYoung notes:
In his "Confessio" Patrick writes movingly about his burden to evangelize the Irish. He explicitly links his vocation to the commands of Scripture. Biblical allusions like "the nations will come to you from the ends of the earth" and "I have put you as a light among the nations" and "I shall make you fishers of men" flow from his pen. Seeing his life’s work through the lens of Matthew 28 and Acts 1, Patrick prayed that God would "never allow me to be separated from His people whom He has won in the end of the earth." For Patrick, the end of the earth was Ireland.
But what I find most inspiring about Patrick is that he may well have been the first person in Christian history to take those scriptures literally — to understand that bringing Christ to “all nations” meant, as DeYoung notes, “teaching even barbarians who lived beyond the border of the frontiers of the Roman Empire.” And this after being enslaved to them!
What an amazing legacy. If you want the whole story, DeYoung recommends "The Barbarian Conversion: From Paganism to Christianity," which explains how Christianity swept (slowly) across Europe.
So by all means, celebrate Patrick, on March 17 or any other day. Getting drunk (the traditional adult celebratory activity) doesn’t seem a proper tribute to the man, of course, so here are some better and more family-friendly suggestions.
Celebrating Patrick: History
- Revelation Media is offering two DVDs on Patrick’s life, one for the kiddos, for those donating to the company's faith-based productions.
- There are countless children’s books about Patrick, but this fairly new entry looks beautiful: "Saint Patrick the Forgiver" from Intervarsity Press.
Celebrating Ireland — just for fun
- Play traditional Irish music (Spotify and other music services can help here). The Irish Rovers can be a little salty, but they’re a lot of fun.
- Enjoy watching traditional Irish dance. Let the kids try to dance along!
- Did I mention that you (adults) really must watch "Waking Ned Devine"?
- For the little people in your life, "Darby O’Gill and the Little People" seems perfect.
- For very little people, "Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato: An Irish Folktale" is cute little board book.
- Serve something Irish, and I don’t mean a shamrock-shaped Domino’s pizza. I’m pretty sure there’s a law that you must eat potatoes to truly celebrate Ireland, and we’re big fans of a hearty potato soup, but that’s hardly the only option.
- Wear green (obviously).
- Kiss under a shamrock (okay, I made that one up).
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