Tánaiste Condemns Conor McGregor, Contrasts Him with Oscar Winner Jessie Buckley
Conor McGregor has been sharply criticized by Tánaiste Simon Harris, who stated the MMA fighter “represents the highly worst of Irish society.” The comments come as reports suggest McGregor may be in Washington D.C. For St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, potentially meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters in London on Monday, Harris emphasized that the decision of who to invite to the United States rests with the U.S. Government. However, he made his personal view clear, stating, “But my view of Conor McGregor is well known, he represents the very worst of us.” Irish Examiner
McGregor’s Previous White House Visit and Controversial Remarks
This isn’t the first time McGregor’s presence at the White House has drawn scrutiny. In March 2025, McGregor met with President Trump on St. Patrick’s Day and used the opportunity to criticize the Irish Government’s policies, particularly regarding immigration. RTÉ Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Harris both distanced themselves from McGregor’s remarks at the time, stating they did not reflect the views of the Irish people. RTÉ
A Contrast with Jessie Buckley
Harris deliberately contrasted McGregor with Jessie Buckley, the recent Academy Award winner for Best Actress for her role in Hamnet. He praised Buckley as “someone who represents the best of Ireland, an incredible person who’s shattered a glass ceiling, the first Irish woman to win best actress at the Oscars, an incredible ambassador for our country.” Irish Examiner He highlighted Buckley’s “amazing humanity and compassion” and described her achievement as a “moment of great joy.”
Civil Liability Case
The Tánaiste’s comments also follow a civil court ruling in November 2024 where McGregor was found liable in a damages case brought by Nikita Hand, who accused him of rape. Irish Examiner
Focus on Irish Values
Harris reiterated that St. Patrick’s Day should be a celebration of “Irishness, of our values, of inclusion, of the best of us,” and stated that, in his opinion, Conor McGregor does not embody those values. Irish Examiner
He also congratulated Richard Baneham on winning his third visual effects Oscar for his operate on Avatar: Fire And Ash.