Irish Deputy PM Contrasts Buckley Oscar Win with McGregor

Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris sharply contrasted actress Jessie Buckley's recent Oscar triumph with mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, describing the former as embodying the best of Ireland and the latter as representing its worst, during a press interaction in London on Monday.

Harris, known as the Tánaiste, made the remarks after meeting with UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Reporters questioned him about unconfirmed reports that McGregor was in Washington, D.C., ahead of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the U.S. capital. "It's a matter for the United States of America who they let into their country," Harris responded. "But my view of Conor McGregor is well known; he represents the very worst of us."

The comments come amid McGregor's ongoing legal troubles. In November 2024, an Irish High Court found the Dublin native civilly liable in a damages case brought by Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin. Hand accused McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. The ruling awarded her compensation, though McGregor has denied the allegations and maintains his innocence in related criminal proceedings, which remain unresolved.