Conor McGregor has officially announced his candidacy for the Irish presidency, vowing to challenge the government and push for a public referendum on the EU Migration Pact.
The former two-division UFC champion made the announcement via social media on Thursday, just days after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
"Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026," McGregor wrote.
"Between now and then, multiple pieces of legislation must be passed and signed by the President. Who else will stand up to the government and oppose this bill? Any other candidate will offer no resistance—I will!"
McGregor pledged to give Irish citizens a direct say on the pact through a referendum, emphasizing that "it is neither mine nor the government’s choice to make. It is the people of Ireland’s choice! Always! That is a true democracy."
His candidacy follows months of speculation, with McGregor previously hinting at a run last September. In December 2023, billionaire Elon Musk publicly encouraged him to contest the election.
The announcement also comes a day after McGregor demanded government action on immigration, crime, and other national issues.
However, social media did not take kind to McGregor's announcement. The former UFC champion, who has been involved in a number of high-profile controversies, was seen as a below-par candidate by many on X (formerly Twitter).
This is a bad joke right?
— THE REAL DARK JUDGE (@ROYALMRBADNEWS) March 20, 2025
They are just letting anyone run for president 💀
— SUAREZ (@suayrez) March 20, 2025
That’s true. Regardless of left or right #Ireland, all hate McGregor.
— Shaheen (@shaheena45) March 19, 2025
He’s really an embarrassment.
Bro will get 1% like Kanye West pic.twitter.com/RyYFj8VejI
— SUAREZ (@suayrez) March 20, 2025
Other criticisms of McGregor, however, were much more serious in nature. Users brought up his past allegations of sexual abuse, including being found guilty of sexual abuse, as reasons why he should be nowhere near the Presidency of Ireland.
I have faith that the Irish aren’t that stupid.
— Jay Cooper (@jayacoop) March 20, 2025
Man is a rqpist,drug addict and drunkard btw
— ⸸ (@irdgafnomo) March 20, 2025
Ireland don’t copy the USA and elect a rapist
— Sycamore’s Source (@sycamoressource) March 20, 2025
Conor McGregor says he is a “holy man”
— ADAM (@AdameMedia) March 20, 2025
He’s a drug addict, an alcoholic, a whore, a cheat, a hooligan and there’s compelling evidence that he’s a rapist too.
Very holy 🤡 https://t.co/yowcF1FX7V
Wait-- Is President Rapists a thing now?
— Miriclaire (@Miridunn) March 21, 2025
Conor's history of explosive rants on X and other social media sites also got a mention, with users pointing out the problematic nature of McGregor's tweets.
They are going to let this guy run for presidency?? 😭 pic.twitter.com/48QRJYbNmi
— Ꭲɑʏᴏ (@TayoPSG) March 20, 2025
With Ireland’s presidential election set for November 2025, it remains to be seen whether McGregor’s entry is expected to be taken seriously or dismissed as just another late-night rant by the former UFC great.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ