Fact-checking Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon and Russell Brand’s hot takes on the Dublin riots

Sinister conspiracies are behind Irish problems say 'alternative media' stars

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Tucker Carlson. Photograph: Saul Martinez/The New York Times
Tucker Carlson. Photograph: Saul Martinez/The New York Times

US commentator Tucker Carlson interviewed MAGA figurehead Steve Bannon about Irish society and politics in the wake of the Dublin riots. The men agreed Ireland is a ‘powder keg’ ready to explode thanks to a sinister globalist conspiracy.

Then comedian Russell Brand tackled the subject on his online show, touching on the same themes and coming down heavily on Ireland’s proposed new hate speech laws.

The three alternative media stars also focussed on the role and influence of MMA fighter Conor McGregor in recent events. Could McGregor become a political leader - or perhaps a political influencer like them?

On today’s In the News podcast Irish Times writer and Inside Politics host Hugh Linehan separates the kernels of truth from the misinformation and explains why it all matters. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast