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. 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'. “Conor McGregor represents the very worst of Irish society. But [St Patrick’s Day in the White House] is a celebration of Irishness, of our values, of inclusion, 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.

Source: Irish Examiner March 17, 2026 19:09 UTC