Conor McGregor 'the very worst of Irish society' – Simon Harris

Tánaiste's comments come amid uncertainty over whether McGregor will again visit Donald Trump on St Patrick's Day

Mon, 16 Mar, 2026 - 19:08

Louise Burne

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that Conor McGregor “represents the very worst of Irish society” but stated that it is up to the US who it invites to the country.

There is still uncertainty as to whether the disgraced MMA fighter will be in Washington DC today for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations following his appearance at the White House last year.

It has been reported that there is a possibility McGregor could be in the city.

Mr Harris told reporters in London it was a “matter for the United States of America who they let into their country.

“My view of Conor McGregor is well known. He represents the very worst of us.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris told reporters in London that Ireland was celebrating Jessie Buckley, 'someone who represents the best of Ireland' while 'Conor McGregor represents the very worst of Irish society'.

“Today, we’re celebrating [Oscar winner] Jessie Buckley, someone who represents the best of Ireland, an incredible person who’s shattered a glass ceiling, [by becoming] the first Irish woman to win Best Actress at the Oscars.

“[She is] an incredible ambassador for our country.

“Conor McGregor represents the very worst of Irish society.

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"Nobody needs any advice from me. But [St Patrick’s Day in the White House] is a celebration of Irishness, of our values, of inclusion, of the best of us.

“When I think of the best of us. I don’t think of Conor McGregor.”

Last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the White House the week before March 17, with McGregor visiting US president Donald Trump on St Patrick’s Day.

As McGregor addressed the press in the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she “couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St Patrick’s Day” than him.

The Taoiseach condemned comments on immigration that McGregor made in his visit to the White House, branding them “wrong” and arguing that they did “not reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland”.