Ireland presidential hopeful Conor McGregor praises Dublin march

Thousands of people took to the streets of Dublin to protest against Ireland’s mass migration policies on Saturday, with UFC champion Conor McGregor leading the charge. McGregor, who is reportedly considering a presidential bid in his home country, addressed the crowd in a video message before the march began.

In his speech, McGregor emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by Ireland’s heroes and called for unity among the protesters. He urged the participants to remain peaceful and dignified in their demonstration, emphasizing the need to voice their disapproval of the government’s policies.

The march, which started at Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance, saw protesters carrying tri-color flags and placards with messages such as “Irish Lives Matter” and “Ireland is Full.” The atmosphere was tense at times, with a small group of counter-protesters gathering in front of the General Post Office.

Despite the heightened police presence, the demonstration remained largely peaceful, with over 106,000 people in attendance. McGregor later praised the protesters for their orderly conduct, sharing aerial photos of the event on social media.

The counter-protest, organized by United Against Racism and supported by several opposition parties, aimed to counter the anti-migration sentiments of the main march. Banners reading “Boycott Apartheid Israel” and “Dublin Stands Against Racism” were visible among the counter-protesters.

McGregor’s interest in running for president of Ireland was fueled by a meeting with President Donald Trump on St. Patrick’s Day. However, he acknowledged the challenges of navigating the country’s nomination process, which he believes is biased against outsiders like himself.

Speaking at the march, Dublin City councilors Gavin Pepper, Philip Sutcliffe, and Malachy Steenson, as well as Fingal councilor Patrick Quinlan, expressed their frustration with the government’s handling of the migration issue. Pepper called for “mass deportation” and criticized Sinn Féin for neglecting the interests of Irish citizens.

In response to the growing nationalist movement, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin defended his government’s policies, emphasizing the opportunities available to modern Ireland. He dismissed the rhetoric of the protesters and highlighted the government’s focus on addressing housing issues.

As the debate over Ireland’s migration policies continues, the country’s political landscape remains divided. While McGregor and his supporters advocate for stricter controls on immigration, the government maintains its commitment to inclusivity and progress. The clash of ideologies underscores the complex challenges facing Ireland in the 21st century.