Conor McGregor says the Irish people are intentionally being erased by mass migration. He’s considering a run for president of Ireland to stop it.
Former UFC star Conor McGregor sat down for a fiery hour-long interview with ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson, released Friday evening. Filmed at the historic Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Dublin, the conversation, broadcast across Carlson’s social media platforms, saw McGregor unleash a barrage of criticism against the Irish government, accusing it of having “ill intentions” toward its citizens.
McGregor’s Presidential Ambitions
McGregor, who has announced plans to run for Ireland’s presidency later this year, didn’t hold back. Visiting McGregor’s Dublin pub, Carlson, a polarizing U.S. commentator known for interviewing figures like Vladimir Putin, probed the fighter’s political aspirations. McGregor claimed Ireland is “not a democratic country,” citing barriers to his candidacy, such as needing support from four county councils or 20 Oireachtas nominations, which he says are controlled by government-aligned parties.
“I’m requesting the democratic process to play out and let the people decide,” McGregor told Carlson, though he admitted his campaign might not succeed. When asked about CNN labeling him “the leader of Ireland’s far-right,” McGregor dismissed the tag, saying, “These terminologies mean nothing. I’m a family man, an employer, and I care about the safety and prosperity of Ireland’s citizens.”
Harsh Words for the Government
McGregor accused the government of eroding Irish culture and enabling what he called “mass immigration,” which he described as an “abomination” that leaves citizens feeling like “second-rate.” He alleged the government uses “bullying” and “intimidation tactics” to silence dissent, diverting public funds to enrich private entities. Unchallenged by Carlson, McGregor’s claims grew heated as he referenced historical punishments for “treason” and invoked his “McGregor clan” roots.
On Ireland’s economic woes, McGregor called the rising cost of living a “national emergency” but offered no concrete solutions. He also made eyebrow-raising comments about the Garda Traffic Corps, calling it overly punitive and linking its enforcement to “suicides” and “families destroyed” over minor offenses like driving without tax or NCT. McGregor himself was banned from driving for two years in July 2024 following a motoring conviction.
Immigration and Trump
Immigration was a recurring theme, with McGregor doubling down on his hardline stance. “The citizens of Ireland do not feel like first-rate citizens,” he said, claiming the situation “cannot continue.” He accused the government of manipulating public opinion to suppress debate.
McGregor also reflected on his interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump, recalling a St. Patrick’s Day Oval Office meeting that drew criticism from Irish officials. He described it as a historic moment to “speak our case” and fondly remembered attending Trump’s 2016 inauguration unofficially while fighting at Madison Square Garden. By 2024, he noted a shift in mood: “It was elation and excitement.”
On U.S.-EU tariffs, McGregor called them “no good for nobody,” arguing they exacerbate Ireland’s economic struggles. “The people of Ireland are struggling to heat their homes,” he said, though he avoided specifics on policy fixes.
A Polarizing Figure
McGregor’s interview with Carlson underscores his knack for stirring controversy, blending brash political rhetoric with his trademark bravado. Whether his presidential bid gains traction remains uncertain, but his outspoken views ensure he’ll remain a lightning rod in Irish public life.
Chapters:
0:00 How Is Ireland Doing?
6:38 McGregor’s Humble Beginnings as a Plumber’s Assistant
8:53 The Erasure of Irish Culture
11:31 How They’re Trying to Keep McGregor From Running for President
18:31 Ireland’s Economic Crisis
28:17 How Long Until Ireland Is Unfixable?
32:14 The War on Christianity in Ireland
37:11 The Origins of McGregor’s Political Aspirations
41:12 McGregor’s Thoughts on Donald Trump and His Tariffs
45:02 Will the Government Come After McGregor for His Politics?
45:56 When Will McGregor Make a Decision About His Presidential Bid?
46:32 McGregor’s Plan to Singlehandedly Fix Ireland’s Housing Crisis
49:39 Is McGregor’s Stout Better Than Guinness?
52:01 Would McGregor Deport Rosie O’Donnell?
53:22 Ireland’s Spiritual Revival
