Conor McGregor, the well-known UFC personality, has announced his plans to campaign for the Irish presidency.
Following discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States, McGregor revealed his political aspirations. He has been vocal about immigration concerns in Ireland, an issue also prioritized by Trump’s administration. McGregor stated his intention to seek elected office.
“Ireland, the decision is yours, and it’s straightforward,” McGregor posted on social media. “Vote for me for President, and together, we will save Ireland!”
In a more detailed statement, McGregor outlined his presidential agenda, continuing to voice his opposition to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which he described as “a new framework designed to manage migration and asylum in Europe.”
“Ireland is obligated to fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026,” McGregor stated. “Between now and then, several pieces of legislation must be approved by the Irish Parliament and signed by the President. The next presidential election is due by November 11, 2025. Who else will challenge the Government and oppose this legislation? Any other presidential candidate they propose will offer no resistance. I will!”
“To be clear, as President, I would submit this pact to a referendum. While I strongly oppose this pact, the decision is not mine or the government’s to make. It is the choice of the Irish people, as it should always be in a true democracy! I would also be interested to hear the government’s reasons for so strongly supporting this pact. I would welcome public debate followed by a vote! This is the Ireland I envision with me as President: all citizens having a voice and a choice in their future! God bless our people! Vote McGregor and make your voice heard!”
It is important to note that the President of Ireland’s role, while head of state, is largely symbolic.
As reported by RTE in 2023, the President’s powers are “exercisable and performable by him only on the advice of the Government.” Essentially, the President is generally required to act on the government’s recommendations.
Gail McElroy, a political science professor at Trinity College Dublin, told Sky News that McGregor’s chances of being elected are extremely low.
“Close to zero [chance],” McElroy assessed McGregor’s prospects. “There are two major obstacles. First, securing a nomination, and then winning a majority of the votes. Both are nearly impossible for McGregor.”
Numerous hurdles must be overcome for a candidate to even appear on the presidential ballot, and McElroy believes McGregor simply lacks the necessary support.
According to Sky News, presidential candidates, whether independent or party-affiliated, require nomination through one of two methods: support from 20 members of the Irish Parliament or nomination by four of Ireland’s 31 local councils.
“Conor McGregor is unpopular in Ireland,” McElroy stated. “It’s almost unimaginable that four county councils would endorse him.”
Furthermore, in November of last year, McGregor was found liable for sexual assault in a civil case in Ireland, following allegations dating back to 2018. He has since appealed this verdict.
Following the verdict, several companies and businesses severed ties with McGregor, including his whiskey brand, of which he sold a majority stake in 2021.
Overall, McGregor faces a significant challenge in securing a nomination, let alone winning the election, but he appears determined to pursue his ambition to become the next President of Ireland.
