The interview was filmed in the Freemasons’ Hall venue last week and aired last Friday night.
The organisation said they would have not accepted the booking if they knew what the venue was being used for and have since apologised.
The Freemasons said the Grand Lodge Conduct Committee will now investigate the use of the Grand Lodge Room and risk assessment will be carried out into the security of 17 Molesworth Street.
Lodge rooms will also be only used for “Lodge purposes” and no “non-masonic meetings” will be held in the Lodge rooms “until further notice”.
At a meeting of the Grand Masters Council this week, the organisation also decided it would make an anonymous donation of €2,500 to “an appropriate non-political charity”.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 24th April 2025
Richard S. G. Ensor, the Grand Master Elect, told members the venue was used for “grossly inappropriate purposes” by allowing the interview to take place there.
“The Grand Lodge of Ireland does not comment on any political matter and so regrets letting our premises facilitate any political discussion,” he said in an email to members.
He said the Freemasons are now “fighting to restore our reputation” following the airing of the interview.
“The damage that has been caused in recent days is incalculable.
“I look for your support to get us over this unpleasant time and steer us back on the right path. I am personally abhorred at what has taken place and extend my personal apology to our members, family and friends,” he said.
The organisation issued an apology shortly after the interview aired and said they had no association with the interviewer or interviewee.
In the interview, the former MMA fighter appeared to play down the chances of putting himself forward for the presidential election later this year.
Mr Carlson did not ask Mr McGregor about the decision of a jury that he had assaulted Nikita Hand, at the conclusion of a civil trial in which she alleged he raped her.
When asked by the host why he can’t run for President, Mr McGregor responded: “There are stipulations. You have four county councils which are controlled by the Government parties or you have to get 20 nominations of the Oireachtas, which are mostly party affiliates.”
He said he doesn’t believe Ireland is a “democratic country” and that “they will have to answer to their constituents at some stage”.
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