Freemasons of Ireland apologise over Conor McGregor interview with Tucker Carlson

The Freemasons of Ireland has apologised to its members for facilitating an interview between Conor McGregor and the American TV presenter Tucker Carlson.

The interview, which has been posted on the former Fox News host's online platforms, has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

It was recorded during Easter Week at the historic Freemasons’ Hall in Dublin after the right-wing media personality travelled to Ireland from the United States.

During the hour-long interview, the former martial arts fighter was asked about his intentions to contest the presidential election later this year.

"We believe the election will take place on November 11 so it's a 60-day run-up prior to that so I'm just going to keep requesting that the democratic process (is allowed to) play out and allow the people to decide and see where it falls," Conor McGregor stated.

READ NEXT: 'The world has a lost a bit of sparkle': Former Dancing with the Stars judge passes away

He pointed out that candidates must secure nominations from local authorities or from members of the Oireachtas, which he claimed were either "controlled" by the Government or party affiliates.

The Crumlin native added that he believes the era of politicians needs to come to an end, because it has proven "unfruitful" and the system lacks common sense.

The interview has attracted considerable debate online and some of the discussion had been strongly criticised.

Responding to the criticism, the Freemasons of Ireland said it regrets hosting the interview and has apologised to its members.

In a statement, Grand Secretary Philip A.J. Daley said: "The Historic Freemasons’ Hall venue is available for private event hire. The Freemasons of Ireland accepted a booking from a media company and if the participants and content had been known the booking would not have been accepted.

"The Freemasons of Ireland categorically denies any association with the interviewer or interviewee and regrets that such an interview took place on our premises. We apologise to our members and confirm that steps have been taken to avoid a reoccurrence."

Speaking on This Week on RTÉ Radio 1 this Sunday afternoon, Mr Daley said the decision to allow the interview to go ahead was a 'mistake' and that the fee for use of the room will be donated to a suitable charity.

"In hindsight we're not happy with that decision, I mean, look, we made a mistake, put my hands up, fully admit that," he said. adding that under no circumstances would his organisation have taken the booking if they had known who was involved from the outset

"I would not be a fan of Mr McGregor under any circumstances," he said.