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Fox News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Thousands march in Dublin against Ireland's mass migration policies as McGregor pursues presidential bid
Thousands of people participated in a march against Ireland's mass migration policies in the country's capital of Dublin on Saturday. UFC champion Conor McGregor – who is considering a potential presidential bid in his native Ireland – posted a video message beforehand from Dublin's Garden of Remembrance, where the march began hours later. "Hello everyone in Ireland. April 26th, 2025 - A big day here for our country. "A historic month for Ireland since 1916," McGregor said, referring to the recent anniversary of the year of the Easter Rising against British rule. "Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here. And also why we are not here," McGregor said. "We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honor their spirit, we honor their fight." McGregor said the protest would be intended "to shine our light on the failure of Ireland's government and our full disapproval of it." "Be respectful, be proud, be united," McGregor said. "Because together, we will be heard, and as one, we will be victorious in our mission. To those leading their march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear." "Speak with dignity - we want to hear your voice. Together we rise, together we win," he added. "God bless us all. God bless Ireland." The large-scale demonstration kicked off on Saturday afternoon in the garden, as crowds carrying tri-color flags headed down O'Connell Street. Some protesters carried placards reading "Irish Lives Matter" and "Ireland is Full," and many wore green hats with the message "Make Ireland Great Again." Irish police, known as gardaí, showed a heightened presence in the capital, maintaining a cordoned-off line between the marchers and a smaller group of counter-protesters who gathered in front of the General Post Office (GPO). "Over 106,000 Irish men, women and children attended yesterday's rally," McGregor wrote on X on Sunday, sharing aerial photos of protesters waving tri-color flags. "Not one social order incident to report. Tremendous! Onward for Ireland!" Police later said "no major incidents" happened Saturday, though three people had been arrested for "public order offenses," according to the Irish public broadcaster RTE. Police declined to provide additional information. The counter-protest was organized by United Against Racism and was backed by members of opposition parties including Sinn Féin, Labor, People Before Profit, the Social Democrats, the Socialist Party and the Green Party, according to The Irish Times. They held banners that read, "Boycott Apartheid Israel" and "Dublin Stands Against Racism," according to photos from the scene. McGregor first announced his interest in running for president of Ireland after meeting with President Donald Trump on St. Patrick's Day, though the fighter has suggested the country's nomination process is stacked against outsiders like himself. Those who spoke at the march included Dublin City councilors Gavin Pepper, Philip Sutcliffe and Malachy Steenson and Fingal councilor Patrick Quinlan, according to "The fact of the matter is we're bringing in thousands and thousands of people and putting them up in hotels while our own people are being left to rot… We've had enough of this in Ireland," Pepper said to a cheering Dublin crowd, according to a video shared on X. "Irish people come first in our own country. It's time for mass deportation. The traitors of Sinn Féin do not care." The prime minister of Ireland, who holds the title of taoiseach, Micheál Martin, told reporters on Sunday that he did not "accept the negativity from those who spoke yesterday in respect of where modern Ireland is today," according to a video shared online by Susanne Delaney, a contributor to the anti-globalist outlet Irish Inquiry. "The level of opportunity in modern Ireland today again is far in excess of anything previous generations experienced in terms of educational completion and so on," Martin, who also met with Trump in the Oval Office earlier in March, said. "The big social issue of our day is housing, but we're focused on solutions to that and less so on the rhetoric of it." Asked about the growing size of the "Irish nationalist" movement, Martin said the "ballot box is the key metric, the key determinant of the organization of society, who gets elected into government, who gets elected into local councils." "And I think it has to be based on ideas and policies," he said. "We believe we have a stronger set of ideas than perhaps those who articulated yesterday."
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach criticises Dublin protesters and ‘narrow nationalism'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pushed back against the rhetoric expressed at a large anti-immigration protest in Dublin over the weekend, rejecting what he described as 'negativity' and a vision of Ireland rooted in 'narrow nationalism.' Thousands took part in the rally in the city centre on Saturday which began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square A significant Garda presence was deployed to manage the protest and a counter-demonstration, including public order units, mounted officers, and an aerial support unit. While no major incidents were reported, three people were arrested for public order offences. Micheál Martin. Pic: Michael Chester Chants of 'Ireland for the Irish,' and 'Get them out' were shouted with some protestors holding signs reading 'Coolock Says No,' 'Irish Lives Matter,' and 'Ireland is Full.' Another poster saw Conor McGregor, who was vocal in his support for the march, in between US President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' And there you have it — Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 26, 2025 He said: 'Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here — and also why we are not here. 'We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honour their spirit, we honour their fight.' 'To those leading the march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear, speak with dignity.' Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' Pic: File The demonstration was also convened to mark the 1916 Easter Rising – 109 years after the armed rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Speaking on Sunday at Fianna Fáil's annual 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill Cemetery, Mr Martin addressed the protest and its appropriation of Easter Rising symbolism. 'The message of the 1916 Proclamation is inclusive and internationalist. It was never grounded in narrow nationalism,' he said. 'That's the vision Fianna Fáil continues to uphold—open, outward-looking, and rooted in our place within modern Europe.' He emphasised that Ireland's EU membership since the 1970s has been transformational, warning against those promoting policies he believes would harm the country's future. Thousands gathered in the city centre on Saturday for a demonstration opposing Government policies, particularly around immigration and housing. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos 'I would be very cautious about those who advocate – like some did yesterday – for a version of Ireland that would take us backwards,' he added. Asked whether the size of the protest concerned him, the Taoiseach pointed to the importance of the democratic process. 'We've had a general election and local elections. The ballot box determines how society is governed. It must be based on policies and ideas – we believe ours are stronger than those put forward yesterday.'
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
'And there you have it' -- Joe Brolly reacts to galling poster at protests
Joe Brolly has reacted to a poster which appeared at the anti-immigration protest which took place in Dublin over the weekend. Thousands took part in the rally in the city centre on Saturday which began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square. Public transport was impacted and there was a heightened Garda presence throughout the city. Joe Brolly has reacted to a poster which appeared at the anti-immigration march which took place in Dublin over the weekend. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The protest travelled down to Custom House Quay. Councillors Gavin Pepper, Malachy Steenson, Patrick Quinlan and Philip Sutcliffe were among the attendees. Chants of 'Ireland for the Irish,' and 'Get them out' were shouted with some protestors holding signs reading 'Coolock Says No,' 'Irish Lives Matter,' and 'Ireland is Full.' Another poster saw Conor McGregor, who was vocal in his support for the march, in between US President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' The protest travelled down to Custom House Quay. Councillors Gavin Pepper; Malachy Steenson' Patrick Quinlan and Philip Sutcliffe amongst attendees. Pic: He said: 'Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here — and also why we are not here. 'We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honour their spirit, we honour their fight.' 'To those leading the march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear, speak with dignity. And there you have it — Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 26, 2025 'We want to hear your voice. Together, we rise. Together, we win. God bless us all. God bless Ireland.' Joe Brolly took to social media to share the picture of a galling poster at the rally which displayed McGregor alongside Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, simply writing: 'And there you have it.' The post was met with a mixed reaction, with those in support of McGregor stating that it was planted. One said: 'Clearly a plant like they did during the anti-lockdown protests. Remember Brolly cried his eyes out on Newstalk for a looted Foot Locker. They feel nothing for Ireland as a nation. It's parish and county for them only.' Another asked: 'Did you plant that there yourself Joe? The left funding nonsense to try to tarnish every one else.' A third added: 'Honestly. The mentality of this crowd and who's lead they are following,' while a fourth commented: 'The unholy trinity.' A counter-protest took place at the nearby GPO at 1.30pm. Their counter chants heard criticism of McGregor, who was last year found liable for rape, as well as 'refugees are welcome here.'
Irish Times
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Anti-immigration protest marking Easter Rising gathers in Dublin
Thousands of people have taken part in an anti-immigration rally in Dublin city centre on Saturday, alongside a smaller counter-demonstration. Both passed off without any major incidents with gardaí acting as a cordon between both groups on O'Connell Street . The anti-immigration protest, described by organisers as an Easter Rising commemoration to pay respect to 'those who fought and gave their lives to preserve the Irish nation and create the Irish Republic' began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square. United Against Racism, supported by a number of organisations and members of Opposition parties including Sinn Féin , Labour , People Before Profit , the Social Democrats , the Socialist Party and the Green Party , hosted a counter-protest at the nearby GPO at 1.30pm. READ MORE A large number of gardaí were present throughout the afternoon, including the Garda Public Order Unit, Air Support Unit and Mounted Support Unit. The anti-immigration protest saw those gathered carrying Tricolour flags, wearing green 'Make Ireland Great Again' caps and shouting slogans including 'get them out' and 'Sinn Féin are traitors'. Some carried signs which stated 'Irish Lives Matter', with copies of the 1916 Proclamation handed out. There were some hostile and aggressive interactions between protestors as the anti-immigration rally passed by the anti-racism demonstration at the GPO. The United Against Racism demonstration saw those gathered carry signs reading 'Stand Against Racism' while chanting 'refugees are welcome' and 'whose streets - our streets'. The anti-immigration protest travelled down to Custom House Quay with speakers including Dublin City councillors Malachy Steenson, Gavin Pepper and Philip Sutcliffe and Fingal councillor Patrick Quinlan. Protesters on O'Connell Street in Dublin during the rally. Photograph: Conor O Mearain/PA Wire Anti-immigration activists including Hermann Kelly from the Irish Freedom Party and Philip Dwyer were also present. Cllr Steenson spoke of 'really exciting times' and how 'we have moved this project on hugely'. He said Independent councillors such as himself and cllrs Pepper and Sutcliffe, who won seats on Dublin City Council last year, were using them to 'push forward our message that this country should be run by its people for its people'. Cllr Steenson also said the biggest day of the year had been 'St Patrick's Day in the White House'. 'It doesn't matter who the messenger is - it's the message,' he said. 'That message was brought very clearly to Irish-Americans… We are now calling out to our friends and family in America and throughout the world - look at what is happening here. Sixteen million follow Tucker Carlson , 10 million follow Conor McGregor , that is a huge reach that we couldn't get without those two people.' Gardaí on duty near the GPO near the counter-demonstration which gathered to oppose racism. Photograph: Conor O Mearain/PA Wire Cllr Pepper said Irish people 'come first in our own country' and that it was 'time for mass deportation'. He said people were gathered because they were 'sick of the Government treating us like crap' and that 'people can't get by in this country' struggling with bills, rent and mortgage payments. 'We've had enough of it and the people in Leinster House are just not listening,' he said. 'We're bringing in thousands and thousands of people and putting them up in hotels while our own people are being left to rot. We have over 15,500 people in emergency accommodation, they come first.' [ Power struggles, resignations and Conor McGregor's toxicity: The fracturing of Ireland's far right Opens in new window ] He added that those present needed to ensure their children were registered to vote and that 'we don't need big posh people to come and represent the working class'. Cllr Pepper also claimed that politicians in Leinster House 'don't care about you' and to 'call them out on the street when you see them'. Cllr Sutcliffe said those gathered were 'getting put down day by day by the people put in to represent us'. 'The Government does not represent the people of Ireland… Let it be heard - up the Irish,' he said. Protesters in tricolour balaclavas join the march. Photograph: Conor O Mearain/PA Wire Former MMA fighter McGregor posted a video of himself and his family at the Garden of Remembrance ahead of the anti-immigration protest. In a post on X, McGregor said it was 'a big day here for our country' and that the rally was to commemorate 'the valiant heroes who went before us' . He said the protest was also to 'shine our light on the failure of Ireland's Government and our full disapproval of it'. Why is Ireland's far right movement so divided? Listen | 19:50
