The Daily Star Ireland
A recent gathering in Paris involving Irish lawmakers and members of an Iranian opposition group has drawn criticism from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Concerns have been raised over the participation of several Fianna Fáil representatives in an event hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which is affiliated with the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (MEK), a group seeking regime change in Iran.
Seven Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators took part in the NCRI’s international summit held in May 2025. The delegation included TDs Pádraig O’Sullivan, James O’Connor, Peter Cleere, and Tony McCormack, as well as Senators Erin McGreehan, Mary Fitzpatrick, and Teresa Costello. Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell also attended, along with former Oireachtas members from both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. During the event, the Irish delegates expressed support for the NCRI’s platform and condemned Iran’s human rights practices.
Department Raises Red Flags Over Group Links
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it holds no formal relationship with the NCRI or its affiliate, MEK, due to unspecified concerns about aspects of their structure and activities. While no further details were provided, the absence of diplomatic ties reflects longstanding international unease surrounding the MEK’s history and methods.
Despite these concerns, delegates at the conference voiced strong approval of the NCRI’s goals. One Irish parliamentarian spoke positively about the group’s vision, while another urged the European Union to reconsider its position and initiate formal engagement with the organisation. A collective statement, presented by Senator Fitzpatrick, condemned the Iranian government’s human rights violations, highlighted the country’s execution record, and criticized laws enforcing mandatory hijab rules. The statement also urged international support for the right to regime change in Iran and endorsed resistance efforts against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The event also showcased remarks highlighting the role of women within the NCRI’s leadership structure. Other comments included appeals for the Iranian public to mobilize in protest against the ruling authorities. These statements echoed those made by other international participants at similar NCRI-hosted events in recent years.
Political Reactions and Past Controversies
RTÉ News contacted all eight Irish attendees for comment regarding the Department’s reservations. Only Senator Mary Fitzpatrick responded. She confirmed her participation in the Paris meeting and clarified that she presented a statement backed by a majority of the Seanad advocating for a democratic and independent Iran. The statement condemned the treatment of Iranian political dissidents and reaffirmed support for fundamental civil liberties.
This is not the first time Irish politicians have engaged with the NCRI. Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny had addressed a previous session of the group. However, participation has not been without controversy. In 2021, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, now Minister for Health, issued an apology for speaking at an NCRI event after learning of MEK’s contentious background, which includes past allegations of violent activities. At the time, she stated that she had not been informed of the MEK’s involvement when she accepted the invitation and expressed regret for any unintended association.
