Coronavirus: Conor McGregor says Irish military must enforce lockdown
In his latest video addressing the coronavirus pandemic, Conor McGregor has called for the military to be used to ensure the public respects the lockdown.
Conor McGregor has urged Irish politicians to utilise the army to make sure people adhere to the lockdown enforced amid the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this week, UFC star McGregor pledged to donate one million euros' worth of protective equipment to hospitals in his country, which has had over 2,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 22 deaths.
Ireland locked down for a fortnight
Now, in response to the Irish government placing stricter restrictions on the general public for two weeks on Friday, McGregor wants to see the military on hand to make sure people only leave their homes if they need to buy food or their work is essential.
"We have now entered a more substantial lockdown and I am pleased to see it," McGregor said in a video uploaded to his Facebook account. "We must abide by the legislation put forth by our leaders. Now more than ever we must abide by this and I pray for the health and safety of our country that we do. The fate of our lives and the lives of our loved ones depends on it."
McGregor tells Ireland's residents to stay indoors
McGregor added: "Our defence forces have been mentioned as a possibility in assisting our 50,000 Gardai available, but only if necessary. However, it is necessary. I urge the government to utilise our defence forces alongside Gardai Siochana and for full, 24-hour patrol. We cannot go by chance here. Any less than full adherence to these newly put-forward methods by any members of our society will not only be a mockery to what we are attempting to do here, it will put the rest of our great nation in danger. We just cannot take that chance. I know our nation will comply but please utilise all our available assets to assist with this."
The Dubliner also called on the country's airports to be closed immediately and suggested the only flights which should be allowed are ones carrying "essential medical equipment" or those returning health workers from abroad. He concluded: "To President [Michael] Higgins, to all of our leaders, close our airports, utilise our defence forces. To the nation, abide by these measures impeccably."