Irish Deputy Premier Simon Harris has delivered a stark contrast between two prominent Irish figures, hailing actress Jessie Buckley as representing the "best of Ireland" while branding mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor as the "very worst of Irish society." The comments were made during a press conference in London on Monday following a meeting with UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Harris Champions Buckley's Historic Oscar Win
Mr Harris insisted that the focus should firmly remain on Jessie Buckley, who made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. She received the prestigious accolade for her performance in the film Hamnet during Sunday night's ceremony. "Today we're celebrating Jessie Buckley, someone who represents the best of Ireland," Harris declared enthusiastically.
He elaborated further, praising Buckley as "an incredible person who's shattered a glass ceiling" and highlighting her role as "an incredible ambassador for our country." The Tanaiste specifically commended her "amazing humanity and compassion," noting that her achievement provides "a moment of great joy and great delight at a very difficult and uncertain time in the world."
McGregor Faces Scathing Criticism
When questioned by reporters about Conor McGregor's presence in Washington, D.C. for St Patrick's Day celebrations, Harris responded with pointed criticism. "It's a matter for the United States of America who they let into their country," he stated initially before adding, "But my view of Conor McGregor is well known, he represents the very worst of us."
The deputy premier's condemnation comes against a backdrop of serious allegations against the fighter. In November 2024, McGregor was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape. Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, successfully won her claim against McGregor after alleging the professional fighter raped her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
Context of Previous Controversies
Just a few months after the High Court ruling, McGregor met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House on St Patrick's Day. During that meeting, he openly criticised the Irish Government on a range of issues, further straining relations with political leaders.
Harris emphasised the timing of his comments, noting that "tomorrow is a celebration of Irishness, of our values, of inclusion, of the best of us" before adding pointedly, "and when I think of the best of us, I don't think of Conor McGregor."
Celebrating Irish Achievement Beyond Buckley
While Buckley's achievement took centre stage in Harris's remarks, he also extended congratulations to Richard Baneham, who secured his third visual effects Oscar for his work on Avatar: Fire And Ash. This additional recognition underscores the broader success of Irish talent on the global stage during this year's Academy Awards.
The deputy premier's comments highlight a clear division in how Ireland's political leadership views different public figures representing the nation internationally. While Buckley's artistic achievement is celebrated as a breakthrough moment for Irish women in cinema, McGregor remains a controversial figure mired in legal troubles and political disagreements.
