Donald Trump has said MMA fighter Conor McGregor is “great” when asked who his favourite Irish person is.
The US president also called Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy a “talented” and “fantastic” player, who he had played a round of golf with three weeks ago.
Mr Trump made the comments while in the Oval Office for a meeting with Irish premier Micheal Martin as part of St Patrick’s Day engagements.
Asked who his favourite Irish person is, Mr Trump said there were “many”, before remarking: “I do happen to like your fighter.”
“He’s got the best tattoos I’ve ever seen,” he said referring to Mr McGregor.
“Conor’s great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters.
Mr Trump said: “Ireland’s always had a lot of good fighters. You know why, because they’re tough people, they’re smart people and they’re passionate people.
“I think your father was a great fighter, right?” Mr Trump said to Mr Martin.
“He was, yes,” Mr Martin replied. “A very good defensive boxer. He was a good boxer, boxed for Ireland.
Later on in the Oval Office, Mr Trump praised Mr McIlroy as one of his favourite golfers.
“I think Rory’s great, he’s a great golfer,” he said.
“He just won two weeks ago, he’s a great guy, I played golf with him three weeks ago and he’s a really fantastic player.
“He’s in good form too, when he played with me he played very well I can tell you. Rory is certainly one of the favourites, he’s a very talented player.”
