Donald Trump has said MMA fighter Conor McGregor is “great” when asked who his favourite Irish person is.

Mr Trump made the comments while in the Oval Office for a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin as part of St Patrick’s Day engagements.

Asked who his favourite Irish person is, Mr Trump said there were “many”, before remarking: “I do happen to like your fighter.”

“He’s got the best tattoos I’ve ever seen,” he said referring to Mr McGregor.

“Conor’s great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters.

Mr Trump said: “Ireland’s always had a lot of good fighters. You know why, because they’re tough people, they’re smart people and they’re passionate people.

“I think your father was a great fighter, right?” Mr Trump said to Mr Martin.

“He was, yes,” Mr Martin replied. “A very good defensive boxer. He was a good boxer, boxed for Ireland.