Conor McGregor, the renowned mixed martial artist and former UFC champion, has officially declared his intention to run for President of Ireland in the upcoming 2025 election. The announcement was made via social media, where McGregor expressed his desire to “give the people of Ireland a proper voice in its future.”
Sporting a “Make Ireland Great Again” hat a nod to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan McGregor emphasized his opposition to the European Union’s migration pact. He has been vocal about his concerns regarding what he describes as an “illegal immigration racket” in Ireland and has advocated for a referendum to allow Irish citizens to decide on the EU pact.
This political move comes shortly after McGregor’s visit to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day, where he was welcomed by Trump, who has previously referred to McGregor as his “favorite Irishman.” During this visit, McGregor criticized the current Irish administration, labeling it a “travesty,” and stressed the importance of protecting Ireland’s identity.
Despite his popularity in the sports world, McGregor’s candidacy is expected to face significant challenges. Political analysts suggest that his chances of securing the presidency are minimal, citing the largely ceremonial nature of the role and the traditional political pathways typically followed by candidates.
The 2025 Irish presidential election is anticipated to feature various candidates, including entrepreneur Peter Casey, who previously ran unsuccessfully in 2018. Speculation also surrounds potential contenders from major political parties, though no official declarations have been made.
