Conor McGregor: How MMA star became a figurehead for the far-right in Ireland

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Conor McGregor, the renowned UFC star, has found himself embroiled in controversy as he appears to align himself with far-right sentiments in Ireland. McGregor's social media posts and statements have sparked debate and concern regarding his influence and potential role in exacerbating tensions surrounding immigration and nationalism in the country.

 

McGregor's involvement in contentious issues began with a series of tweets, including one declaring, "Ireland, we are at war," which garnered significant attention on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). These tweets, coupled with subsequent posts about immigration, were circulated among Telegram channels associated with the far-right in Ireland.

 

The UFC star's support for anti-immigration sentiments dates back to 2022 when he expressed solidarity with protesters opposing immigration. However, his recent statements have intensified concerns, particularly in the wake of a stabbing incident in Dublin and subsequent riots allegedly linked to the far-right.

 

Ciarán O’Connor, a senior analyst with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, attributes the growth of the far-right in Ireland partly to social media platforms like X and Telegram, which are exploited by extremists to propagate their ideologies. O’Connor suggests that McGregor's tweets may have served as a rallying cry against immigration, contributing to the tensions that culminated in violent protests.

 

Telegram channels circulating McGregor's posts portrayed asylum seekers as a threat to Ireland's citizens, fueling anti-immigrant sentiments among rioters. The riots, which caused significant damage and led to injuries, underscored the alarming rise of far-right extremism in the country.

 

Despite the marginal electoral support for far-right parties in Ireland, the influence of the far-right is growing, with instances of anti-immigration public gatherings on the rise. Police commissioner Drew Harris highlighted the role of social media in radicalizing individuals and driving them to participate in violent acts fueled by far-right ideology.

 

McGregor's own social media activity has come under scrutiny, with some of his posts being interpreted as incitement to hatred online. The UFC star's ambiguous statements about potentially running for Irish President further fuel speculation about his political aspirations and alignment with far-right views.

 

While McGregor has not responded to requests for comment, his previous statements and actions indicate a shift towards ethno-nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Political analysts and far-right experts warn that McGregor's influence could further polarize Irish society and amplify extremist ideologies.

 

McGregor's journey from a working-class Dublin boy to a global sports icon has been marred by controversies, including allegations of sexual assault and recent defeats in his fighting career. With his influence waning in the sports arena, McGregor appears to have turned to social media sparring, inadvertently or intentionally engaging with far-right narratives.

 

Critics argue that McGregor's use of social media to promote anti-immigrant sentiments is irresponsible and dangerous, particularly given his massive following. As Ireland grapples with socio-economic challenges and rising far-right extremism, McGregor's role in shaping public discourse remains a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

 

13.03.24

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