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Science and Technology
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McGregor not 'fit' to be president - minister

McGregor and O'Brien Clash Over Business Deal Amid Growing Political Tensions

In a development that has sent shockwaves through Ireland's business and political landscapes, mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor has publicly accused telecoms tycoon Denis O'Brien of attempting to undermine his burgeoning business empire. The feud, which erupted on social media late Friday evening, centers around allegations of corporate sabotage related to McGregor's Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand and O'Brien's vast media and communications holdings. Sources close to the matter suggest this could be the opening salvo in what McGregor has hinted might evolve into a broader political confrontation, as the former UFC champion continues to flirt with a run for Ireland's presidency in the upcoming election cycle.

The controversy began when McGregor took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a series of fiery messages targeting O'Brien, one of Ireland's most influential billionaires. "Denis O'Brien thinks he can play games with my business? Proper Twelve is Irish through and through, and no media mogul is going to squeeze me out," McGregor wrote in one post, which quickly amassed over 500,000 likes and shares. He accused O'Brien of using his influence over Irish media outlets to spread negative coverage about McGregor's ventures, including his Dublin pub, The Black Forge Inn, and his whiskey label, which has seen explosive global growth since its launch in 2018. McGregor claimed that O'Brien's companies had lobbied against distribution deals for Proper Twelve in key European markets, allegedly to favor competing brands in which O'Brien holds stakes.

Denis O'Brien, the founder of Digicel and a major player in Irish telecommunications through his ownership of Communicorp and interests in Independent News & Media, has not yet responded directly to the allegations. However, a spokesperson for O'Brien's holding company issued a brief statement dismissing the claims as "baseless and inflammatory." The statement emphasized O'Brien's long-standing commitment to Irish entrepreneurship and suggested that McGregor's outbursts were more about generating publicity than substantive issues. "Mr. O'Brien has supported countless Irish businesses over the decades and has no involvement in the matters alleged," the spokesperson said.

This isn't the first time McGregor and O'Brien have crossed paths indirectly. Both men are prominent figures in Ireland's elite circles, with McGregor often positioning himself as a self-made success story from Crumlin, Dublin, while O'Brien represents old-money influence built on global telecom empires. Insiders speculate that the tension may stem from a failed business negotiation earlier this year, where McGregor reportedly sought investment from O'Brien for expanding Proper Twelve into new markets, including the Caribbean, where Digicel operates extensively. When the deal fell through, McGregor allegedly felt slighted, leading to the public escalation.

The timing of this spat is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with McGregor's increasing forays into Irish politics. Over the past year, the 37-year-old Dubliner has been vocal on issues like immigration, housing, and government spending, often criticizing the current coalition led by Taoiseach Simon Harris. McGregor has repeatedly teased a presidential bid, stating in a recent podcast interview that he aims to "shake up the system" and represent "the working people of Ireland." His supporters see him as a populist figure akin to Donald Trump, leveraging his massive social media following—over 10 million on Instagram alone—to rally anti-establishment sentiment. Critics, however, argue that McGregor's history of legal troubles, including a recent civil court loss in a high-profile assault case where he was ordered to pay nearly €250,000 in damages, disqualifies him from serious political contention.

Political analysts believe the O'Brien feud could be a calculated move by McGregor to position himself as an outsider battling Ireland's corporate elite. "McGregor is tapping into a narrative of the little guy versus the big bosses," said Dr. Eoin O'Malley, a political scientist at Dublin City University. "O'Brien, with his media empire and past controversies like the Moriarty Tribunal findings on his business dealings, makes for a perfect foil. This could galvanize McGregor's base, especially among younger voters disillusioned with traditional politics."

The Moriarty Tribunal, which investigated payments to politicians in the 1990s, found that O'Brien had made low-interest loans to former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry, leading to ongoing scrutiny of O'Brien's influence in Irish affairs. McGregor referenced this in his tweets, calling O'Brien "the king of backroom deals" and questioning why such figures continue to wield power unchecked. This has reignited debates about transparency in Irish business and politics, with opposition parties like Sinn Féin calling for renewed inquiries into corporate lobbying.

From a business perspective, the fallout could have tangible impacts. Proper Twelve, co-founded by McGregor and now partially owned by Proximo Spirits, generated over $40 million in sales last year. Any perceived sabotage could affect its market position, especially in Ireland where national pride plays a role in consumer choices. O'Brien's media outlets, including the Irish Independent, have previously covered McGregor's endeavors neutrally, but sources indicate that editorial teams are now treading carefully to avoid accusations of bias.

Public reaction has been mixed. On social media, McGregor's fans have flooded O'Brien's associated pages with supportive messages for the fighter, while others decry the spectacle as unbecoming of two national figures. "This is what Ireland needs—someone to call out the corruption," one user commented. Conversely, a prominent business commentator tweeted, "McGregor's ego is writing checks his facts can't cash. O'Brien built an empire; McGregor built a brand on bravado."

As the story unfolds, legal experts warn that McGregor's accusations could lead to defamation proceedings if unsubstantiated. O'Brien has a history of pursuing libel cases, having successfully sued media outlets in the past. McGregor, no stranger to courtrooms, recently navigated a criminal acquittal in a separate assault allegation and the aforementioned civil defeat. His legal team has not commented on potential escalation.

Looking ahead, this clash underscores broader tensions in Ireland's evolving socio-political fabric. With the presidential election looming in 2025, McGregor's maneuvers suggest he's serious about transitioning from cage fighter to political contender. Whether this feud with O'Brien bolsters his image as a champion of the people or exposes him as a provocateur remains to be seen. What is clear is that Conor McGregor continues to dominate headlines, blending business acumen, celebrity status, and political ambition in a way that keeps Ireland—and the world—watching intently.

In related developments, McGregor announced plans to expand The Black Forge Inn chain internationally, potentially into markets where O'Brien has interests, adding another layer to the rivalry. Political watchers are also monitoring if this prompts responses from other business leaders or government officials, as Ireland grapples with economic challenges post-Brexit and amid global inflation.

This episode highlights McGregor's unique position in Irish culture: a global icon whose every move sparks debate. From his humble beginnings in Dublin to becoming a multimillionaire athlete, McGregor's journey resonates with many, but his confrontational style often polarizes. As one supporter put it, "Conor's not afraid to fight for what's right, whether in the octagon or against the suits." Opponents, however, see it as reckless grandstanding.

Ultimately, the McGregor-O'Brien saga may prove to be more than a personal grudge; it could signal shifting power dynamics in a country where business, media, and politics are increasingly intertwined. As investigations into the allegations proceed, if any, the public will be eager for clarity on whether this is mere bluster or the start of a genuine corporate war. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full RTE Online Article at:
[ https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0810/1527780-mcgregor-obrien/ ]