Micheál Martin, Simon Harris, and Paschal Donohoe have expressed to Donald Trump that Conor McGregor does not embody Irish men. The Tánaiste has labeled McGregor as representing "the worst kind of toxic masculinity."
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe stated that UFC fighter Conor McGregor does not reflect the values of Irish men. This follows criticism from top government officials after McGregor's comments during a St. Patrick's Day meeting with US President Donald Trump. McGregor praised Trump's work ethic and planned to discuss Irish immigration issues, while Trump called him "fantastic."
McGregor, who has shown interest in running for Irish presidency, accused the government of inaction and lack of accountability. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris countered that McGregor's views do not represent Ireland.
McGregor's White House visit occurred months after a Dublin High Court found him civilly liable in a damages case brought by a woman accusing him of rape. The court awarded her €250,000, and McGregor is appealing the decision.
Paschal Donohoe expressed disappointment over McGregor's Oval Office appearance, emphasizing that McGregor does not represent Irish men. Donohoe highlighted Ireland's commitment to openness, decency, and respect, particularly in how men treat women.
Simon Harris criticized McGregor as embodying toxic masculinity and clarified that McGregor was in the US on a personal visit, not representing Ireland. Rachel Morrogh, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, called the Trump-McGregor meeting "sinister," accusing it of normalizing sexual violence and attempting to rehabilitate McGregor's image.
In response to Martin's criticism, McGregor defended himself by highlighting his role as an employer in Ireland and criticized the government's performance, stating that Dublin has become more dangerous over the past decade. McGregor insisted that the government does not represent the Irish people.
During a previous meeting with Martin, Trump praised McGregor as "great."