Conor McGregor would be ‘widely rejected’ in presidential run, Minister predicts

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Conor McGregor would be “widely rejected” by the public if he ran for President, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Last November, Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor in a civil trial after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand (35) was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

McGregor, who is appealing against the decision, hosted American conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson in Dublin on Tuesday.

The fighter has previously stated an intent to run for the presidency and has criticised the Government’s policies on immigration and public safety.

The Dubliner also voiced these concerns in a meeting with US president Donald Trump in the Oval Office last month.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said: “When it comes to Tucker Carlson and Conor McGregor, I think you’ve seen the resounding rejection of Conor McGregor’s attempt to run for the presidency.

“I think most political parties and independents completely reject his politics, his rhetoric, his divisive approach to public debate, and I’m sure that will be reflected in his interview with Tucker Carlson.

“But that type of extreme politics isn’t something that most Irish people would accept, and I think it will be widely rejected if he attempted to run with the presidency.

“I’d be surprised if he received a nomination.”