Conor McGregor Announces Presidential Bid

Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion and one of Ireland's most polarizing figures, has officially declared his candidacy for the Irish presidency in the upcoming elections later this year.

Announcing his bid on social media Thursday, McGregor framed his campaign around opposition to the European Union's Migration Pact, a proposal aimed at redistributing asylum processing responsibilities across member states.

In an Instagram post to his 46 million followers, McGregor questioned the Irish government’s support for the pact, declaring, "Who else will stand up to the Government and oppose this bill? Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!"

He also pledged to put the migration pact to a referendum if elected, emphasizing that "it is the people of Ireland’s choice" to decide on such issues.

McGregor’s announcement comes on the heels of his controversial appearance at the White House during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, where he stood alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and echoed anti-immigration rhetoric.

During the visit, McGregor claimed that Ireland was "on the cusp of losing its Irishness" due to immigration policies and accused the government of ignoring its citizens' concerns.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from Irish leaders, including Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who stated that McGregor’s comments "do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day or the views of the Irish people."

Known for his brash persona both in and out of the octagon, McGregor has increasingly aligned himself with far-right ideologies in recent years, using social media to amplify his criticisms of immigration policies.

While his fame as a two-division UFC champion and global sports icon has garnered him a substantial following, his political aspirations face significant hurdles.

Under Irish law, presidential candidates must secure nominations from either 20 members of parliament or four local councils—support that analysts say McGregor is unlikely to obtain.

McGregor’s candidacy is further complicated by a series of legal controversies. He has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault, including a 2018 case in which a Dublin civil court awarded damages to a woman who accused him of rape—a verdict McGregor is appealing.

Despite these challenges, McGregor remains undeterred, presenting himself as a populist voice willing to challenge Ireland's political establishment.

The next Irish presidential election must take place by November 11, 2025. While McGregor’s chances of securing a spot on the ballot appear slim, his campaign has already ignited heated debates about immigration and national identity in Ireland.

Whether his candidacy gains traction or fades under scrutiny, it underscores the growing influence of populist rhetoric in Irish politics.