Conor McGregor has declared his ambition to become the President of Ireland.
The UFC star revealed his presidential plans after meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. McGregor has been vocal about immigration issues in Ireland, a topic also prioritized by Trump’s administration, and he confirmed his intention to seek elected office.
“Ireland, the choice is yours, and it’s straightforward,” McGregor posted on social media. “Vote for me as your President, and we will SAVE IRELAND TOGETHER!”
In a more detailed statement, McGregor outlined his presidential agenda, focusing on his opposition to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which aims to manage migration and asylum within Europe.
“Ireland is obligated to fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026,” McGregor stated. “Between now and then, several laws must be passed and signed by the President. The next presidential election is due by November 11, 2025. Who 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. Although I strongly oppose it, the decision is not for me or the government to make. It belongs to the Irish people, always! That’s true democracy! I would also be interested to hear the government’s reasons for so eagerly supporting this pact. I want to hear the debates! Followed by a vote! This is Ireland’s future with me as President. All Irish citizens will have a voice and a choice about their future! God bless our people! Vote McGregor and make your voice heard!”
It’s important to note that the President of Ireland’s role is primarily ceremonial, serving as the head of state but with limited practical power.
As reported by RTE in 2023, the President’s powers are “exercisable and performable by him only on the advice of the Government,” meaning the President is largely expected to follow governmental direction.
Gail McElroy, a political science professor at Trinity College Dublin, told Sky News that McGregor’s chances of being elected are extremely slim.
“Close to zero,” McElroy said regarding McGregor’s prospects. “There are two major obstacles. First, he needs to be nominated, and then he has to win a majority of the votes. Both are almost impossible for McGregor.”
There are significant hurdles for any candidate to even be listed on the ballot, and McElroy believes McGregor simply lacks the necessary support.
According to Sky News, presidential candidates, whether independent or party-affiliated, must be nominated in one of two ways: either by securing the support of 20 members of the Irish parliament (Oireachtas) or by four of Ireland’s 31 local authorities (county or city councils).
“Conor McGregor is unpopular in Ireland,” McElroy stated. “It’s almost unthinkable that four county councils would endorse him.”
Furthermore, in November, McGregor was found liable for sexual assault in a civil case in Ireland, stemming from allegations dating back to 2018. McGregor has since appealed this verdict.
Following the verdict, numerous companies and businesses severed ties with McGregor, including his own whiskey brand, of which he sold a majority stake in 2021.
Overall, McGregor faces a considerable challenge to even get nominated, let alone elected, but he appears determined to pursue his bid to become the next President of Ireland.
