In a stunning political twist, former Irish boxing champion Conor McGregor has announced his intention to run for the Irish presidency, setting the stage for what could be one of the most controversial elections in the country’s history.
The 36-year-old ex-UFC star, known for his brash personality and outspoken views, made the announcement on Thursday via social media, where he commands a massive following of over 46 million. His primary campaign promise? To oppose the European Union’s new migration pact, which aims to redistribute the burden of asylum processing across member states.
“Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill?” McGregor wrote in a fiery Instagram post. “Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!”
His declaration comes just days after he appeared at the White House alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump on St. Patrick’s Day. The visit, which saw McGregor align himself with Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, has sparked outrage in Ireland, with critics accusing him of stoking anti-immigrant sentiment.
“Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness,” McGregor warned, claiming the government had “abandoned the voices” of its citizens while rural towns were being “overrun” by immigrants.
Irish leader Micheál Martin swiftly condemned McGregor’s remarks, stating they did not reflect “the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day or the views of the Irish people.”
A Controversial Candidate McGregor, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), made history as the first fighter to hold two championship belts simultaneously. In 2021, he was named the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes. However, his career has been marred by controversy, including multiple legal battles and accusations of sexual misconduct—claims he has consistently denied.
In January, McGregor was sued for sexual battery in a case stemming from the 2023 NBA Finals in Miami. Although prosecutors declined to press charges, the allegations fueled further scrutiny of his public persona. Additionally, a Dublin civil jury awarded €250,000 ($257,000) in damages to a woman last year who accused him of sexual assault in 2018. McGregor insists the encounter was consensual and has vowed to appeal.
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Beyond the courtroom, McGregor has gained notoriety for his provocative online presence, frequently clashing with political figures and critics. His brand of nationalism, once seen as a symbol of Irish pride, has increasingly veered into what analysts describe as “far-right” rhetoric.
The Road to the Presidency Ireland, a nation of just over 5 million people, recorded 141,600 new immigrants in the year leading up to April 2023—the highest influx in 16 years. While the country’s booming economy has attracted foreign workers, many Irish citizens are grappling with skyrocketing housing prices and living costs, fueling growing frustration over immigration policies.
McGregor has capitalized on this discontent, positioning himself as the voice of those who feel ignored by mainstream politicians. He has pledged to put the EU migration bill to a referendum if elected, insisting that “it is the people of Ireland’s choice! Always!”
Despite his celebrity status and massive social media influence, McGregor faces significant hurdles in getting his name on the ballot. Under Irish election law, presidential candidates must secure nominations from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Ireland’s parliament) or four of the country’s 31 local councils. With most lawmakers openly opposing his hardline views, McGregor’s path to the presidency remains uncertain.
Ireland’s next presidential election must take place by November 11. If McGregor manages to clear the nomination process, his candidacy is set to ignite one of the most polarizing political battles Ireland has ever seen.
