Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion, has taken a bold leap into the realm of politics, announcing his candidacy for the Irish presidency on March 20, 2025. Following a visit to the White House, where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump, McGregor utilized his impressive social media following of over 46 million to promote his ambitions and share his contentious views on immigration and governance in Ireland.
In a lengthy Instagram post, McGregor asserted that the upcoming elections are critical, stating, "Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026." This statement reflects his broader concern over immigration policies currently in play, specifically targeting the EU pact aimed at redistributing asylum claims more evenly among member states. He posed a provocative question to his followers, “Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill? Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will.”
The path to the presidency in Ireland is not an easy one; candidates must receive nominations from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas—the Irish parliament—or from four of the 31 local councils. With McGregor's controversial public persona and his recent criticisms of the current government, the challenge of securing these nominations looms large. McGregor, who has faced legal issues, including a civil trial where he was ordered to pay nearly €250,000 for damages stemming from a sexual assault case, needs to overcome significant public skepticism regarding his qualifications.
In light of his recent declaration, responses from the Irish political landscape have been swift. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed his discontent over McGregor's remarks about the state of Ireland, stating that they do not reflect the views of the Irish people. Similarly, Colum Eastwood, the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, voiced that Ireland is “pretty embarrassed” by McGregor. This sentiment reflects a widespread concern that McGregor does not represent the populace and his controversial statements only serve to deepen divisions within Irish society.
During his appearance at the White House, McGregor voiced strong opinions about the actions of the Irish government, declaring, “Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability.” He lamented that “Our money is being spent on overseas issues that has nothing to do with the Irish people” and warned of what he described as the “illegal immigration racket [that] is ravaging the country.” His comments have been met with criticism, as statistics from the Central Statistics Office show that while net migration to Ireland has increased, Irish citizens remain a majority in most towns, directly contradicting his claims.
No towns in Ireland have seen their indigenous populations become a minority, as asserted by McGregor. In fact, census data indicates that as of April 2022, non-Irish citizens comprised 12% of the population. The towns of Ballyhaunis, Ballymahon, and Edgeworthstown had the highest percentages of non-Irish residents, but even in these areas, Irish citizens still make up the majority.
McGregor’s critical stance on immigration resonates with a portion of the Irish electorate who feel the pressures brought by high immigration rates, particularly in light of a housing crisis affecting many citizens. Despite immigration reaching its highest levels in over 16 years, critics argue that the housing crisis is more complex than simply a consequence of migration, citing decades of underinvestment in housing and planning failures.
While McGregor's ambitions may galvanize some support, especially in more rural and working-class areas affected by immigration, he faces substantial challenges on the political front. The Irish presidency, though largely ceremonial, wields soft power that can be instrumental in shaping discourse on critical issues such as immigration and economic policy.
Should McGregor be successful in obtaining the required nominations, he would still need to persuade the electorate to embrace his controversial views. Historical precedent exists with figures like Peter Casey, who garnered a significant protest vote in the 2018 presidential elections by appealing to similar sentiments regarding immigration and gregarious speaking, which sometimes veers into contentious territory.
However, as McGregor enters a highly polarized political landscape with his record of controversy and legal issues hanging over him, many wonder whether his candidacy is a serious pursuit or merely a publicity stunt. His rhetoric on immigration and government accountability appeals to segments of the population frustrated with traditional political parties but may simultaneously alienate others who view his approach as an extension of far-right ideologies.
As the political climate shifts and the next presidential election approaches on November 11, 2025, all eyes will remain on McGregor. The outcome will depend largely on his ability to secure support among lawmakers and the broader public, who have displayed mixed reactions to his provocative statements and complex history.
In a time when the issues discussed in the political arena are of utmost importance, McGregor's presence represents both a populist challenge and a reflection of deep-seated frustrations within the electorate—a unique intersection of celebrity culture and political ambition that could reshape Ireland's future.
