UFC Champion Connor McGregor Running For Irish Presidency | WATCH
MMA star Conor McGregor's bid for the Irish presidency ignites a firestorm, with critics calling his anti-immigration views "disgraceful." His campaign, fueled by populist rhetoric and a promise to "return power to the people," is now challenging Ireland's political establishment and threatening to upend a historically ceremonial office.
Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor continues his unconventional campaign for the Irish presidency, urging citizens to pressure local councillors for nominations as the October 24, 2025, election approaches. The former UFC champion, known for his brash persona and anti-immigration stance, announced his intention to run in March 2025, positioning himself as a populist outsider promising radical changes to Ireland's democratic system.
McGregor's bid has faced significant obstacles under Ireland's nomination rules, which require support from either 20 Oireachtas members or four county councils to appear on the ballot. In August 2025, after failing to secure endorsements from politicians, with none of the 134 surveyed by Sky News backing him, McGregor launched a public petition to amend the process and ensure his inclusion. By late August, he claimed to have gathered the necessary support, though this has not been independently verified.
In recent social media posts on X (formerly Twitter), McGregor has intensified his rhetoric, calling on Irish citizens to contact their local councillors to nominate him. "If you want to vote for McGregor, it starts now. Call your local councillor today and demand change," he wrote on September 4, 2025, emphasizing his plan to veto bills until they are put to public referendum. He has outlined policies aimed at restoring elements of the 1922 Irish Free State Constitution, including Articles 47 and 48, to enable direct democracy through citizen-initiated referendums and vetoes on legislation. McGregor argues this would empower the public in areas like immigration, healthcare, and housing, criticizing the current system as a "limited democracy."
The campaign has drawn sharp criticism from political figures and community leaders. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien stated in August that McGregor "would not be fit to" hold the office, contrasting his record with that of incumbent President Michael D. Higgins. Irish Muslim leaders have labeled McGregor's petition and anti-immigration views "disgraceful," while others, including Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, have echoed concerns about his suitability. McGregor has fired back, dismissing critics as part of an establishment elite and vowing not to swear in certain politicians, such as Taoiseach Simon Harris, if elected.
Despite the controversy, McGregor's platform resonates with some supporters frustrated by government policies on immigration and public services. He has repeatedly invoked Ireland's revolutionary history, quoting the 1916 Proclamation and pledging to "return power to the people." In one post, he declared, "I am the only candidate proposing the return of power to the people," highlighting his intent to use presidential powers under Articles 12-14 of the Constitution.
As nominations close in the coming weeks, McGregor's petition has garnered attention, but experts note that changing the nomination process would require constitutional reform, unlikely before the election. Other candidates, including independents like Catherine Connolly, have entered the race, focusing on issues like peace and unity. Polls suggest McGregor's celebrity status could disrupt the traditionally ceremonial role, but his polarizing views may alienate moderate voters.
McGregor, who updated his X bio to "Uachtarán na hÉireann" (President of Ireland), remains defiant: "Ar aghaidh, ar son na hÉireann!" (Forward, for Ireland!). Whether he makes the ballot remains uncertain, but his campaign has already sparked debate on Ireland's political future.