Conor McGregor Announces Run for Irish Presidency on Anti-Immigration Platform
Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion turned controversial public figure, has announced his intention to run for the Irish presidency in elections set to take place later this year. The 36-year-old Dublin-born fighter, once hailed as Ireland’s greatest sporting export, is now a polarizing figure, advocating for anti-immigration policies and aligning himself with far-right ideologies.
In an Instagram post to his 46 million followers, McGregor stated that he would be the only candidate capable of opposing Ireland’s adoption of the new EU migration pact — a measure aimed at distributing asylum claims more evenly across the European Union.
“Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill?” McGregor declared. “Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!”
Can Conor McGregor Run for President of Ireland?
While McGregor’s announcement has caused a media frenzy, the road to securing a spot on the Irish presidential ballot is far from easy. The Irish presidency is a largely ceremonial role, but the process of becoming a candidate is governed by strict requirements.
To appear on the ballot, presidential candidates must be nominated by: 20 members of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament, including the Dáil and Seanad), or 4 of Ireland’s 31 local authorities (county and city councils).
McGregor’s divisive public image, combined with his anti-immigration rhetoric, makes it highly unlikely that he will secure the support of 20 lawmakers, many of whom have publicly criticized his recent actions. His best chance lies in appealing to local councils in regions where public sentiment may be more aligned with his views.
However, without the backing of mainstream political figures, McGregor faces an uphill battle to secure enough nominations to enter the race.
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How Does the Irish Presidential Election Work?
Ireland’s presidential election is a direct vote by the public, with elections held every seven years. The next election is scheduled to take place by November 11, 2025.
Key points about the Irish presidential process include:
Term Length: 7 years, with a maximum of two terms.
Ceremonial Role: The Irish president’s role is primarily symbolic, with limited powers. The president represents the country, signs bills into law, and can refer legislation to the Supreme Court for constitutional review.
If McGregor manages to secure a place on the ballot, his fate will rest in the hands of the Irish public, who will vote in a preferential voting system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference.
Public Perception: McGregor’s Shift from Sports Icon to Controversial Figure
Once a beloved national icon, Conor McGregor’s reputation in Ireland has taken a significant hit in recent years.
From UFC Champion to Polarizing Figure
McGregor became a global sports star after becoming the first fighter to hold two UFC belts simultaneously. In 2021, Forbes named him the world’s highest-paid athlete, thanks to lucrative endorsements and his whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve.
Controversies and Legal Battles
McGregor’s career outside the ring has been marred by controversy, with a series of high-profile legal battles and allegations of sexual assault.
- In 2023, a woman accused McGregor of sexual battery during the NBA Finals in Miami. The case was investigated, and the Miami-Dade state attorney declined to press charges.
- A 2024 civil trial in Dublin resulted in a jury awarding €250,000 in damages to a woman who alleged that McGregor brutally raped and assaulted her in 2018. McGregor, who testified that the encounter was consensual, has vowed to appeal the verdict.
Anti-Immigration Stance and Far-Right Support
In recent years, McGregor has increasingly aligned himself with far-right ideologies, using his platform to amplify anti-immigrant sentiment in Ireland. He has voiced strong opposition to Ireland’s immigration policies and expressed support for anti-immigration protests across the country.
His rhetoric has been criticized by mainstream Irish politicians, with many accusing him of “fanning the flames of discontent” in a nation with a long history of emigration.
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The Political Climate: Can McGregor Leverage Public Frustration?
McGregor’s anti-immigration platform taps into growing frustrations among some segments of the Irish population.
Record Immigration Levels
In the year leading up to April 2023, Ireland experienced its highest immigration rate in 16 years, with 141,600 immigrants arriving — a figure driven by Ireland’s booming economy and relative political stability.
Housing Crisis and Cost of Living
For many ordinary Irish citizens, however, these benefits have not trickled down. Rising housing prices, high rents, and a growing cost-of-living crisis have left many struggling to afford basic necessities.
McGregor’s narrative that immigration is to blame for these economic struggles has resonated with segments of the population, though economists and policy experts argue that Ireland’s housing crisis is more complex and rooted in decades of underinvestment and planning failures.
McGregor’s White House Appearance and Alignment with Trump
McGregor’s political ambitions gained momentum following his high-profile appearance at the White House with Donald Trump on St. Patrick’s Day 2025. During the visit, McGregor was photographed alongside Trump, further solidifying his position as a far-right ally aligned with anti-immigrant sentiments.
This move sparked backlash at home, with many Irish politicians viewing his embrace of Trump’s ideology as a dangerous development for Irish politics.
What’s Next for Conor McGregor’s Presidential Run?
While McGregor’s announcement has generated headlines and sparked debate, his path to securing a place on the ballot remains highly uncertain.
Securing Nominations: Without the support of at least 20 lawmakers or 4 local councils, McGregor’s candidacy will not advance.
Overcoming Public Skepticism: Even if McGregor makes it onto the ballot, he faces a deeply divided public, many of whom view his presidential run as a publicity stunt rather than a serious political campaign.
