Conor McGregor Sets Sights on Presidency
Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion, has always been known for his brash persona and unyielding confidence inside the octagon. Now, that same determination is being channeled into a new ambition: serving as the head of state for the Republic of Ireland. McGregor has expressed his interest in running for the largely ceremonial yet historically significant office of the President in the 2025 election.
"Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland. It is me. I am the only logical choice. 2025 is upcoming..." McGregor announced on Twitter, letting the world know of his political aspirations.
McGregor’s decision to potentially pivot towards politics comes after an extensive, albeit rocky, career in mixed martial arts, where he has not competed since a fight in July 2021. His hiatus from the sport has been marked by a series of public appearances and business ventures, but this latest proclamation indicates a shift to a more profound role in public life.
The role of the president in Ireland carries substantial symbolic weight. Though primarily ceremonial, the office includes powers such as appointing judiciaires, signing bills into law, and the significant ability to summon or dissolve the Dáil, Ireland's lower house of parliament. McGregor has made it clear that he sees this position as one that can champion the interests of the Irish people directly.
"As president, I hold the power to summon the Dail as well as dissolve it. So as I said before, I would have all the answers the people of Ireland seek from these thieves of the working man, these disrupters of the family unit, these destructors of small businesses, and on and on and on!" McGregor asserted in his series of tweets.
The next presidential election is slated for October 2025, following the last election held on October 26, 2018. In Ireland, a president is elected for a seven-year term and can serve a maximum of two terms if re-elected. The incumbent, Michael D. Higgins, has served since 2011 and his current term will end in 2025, paving the way for new candidates.
To officially get his name on the ballot, McGregor would need to meet a few constitutional requirements: he must be an Irish citizen, at least 35 years of age, and obtain nominations from at least 20 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas (the national parliament) or from four of Ireland's 31 county or city councils.
McGregor’s vocal criticism of the current political establishment is a cornerstone of his proposed campaign. He has not minced words when describing what he perceives as the failings of those currently in power. "These charlatans in their positions of power would be summoned to answer to the people of Ireland and I would have it done by day end. Or I would be left with no choice but to dissolve the Dáil entirely," McGregor warned.
Ireland’s political structure comprises a ceremonial president and a Taoiseach, who serves as the head of government, actively involved in the day-to-day affairs and executive decisions. The bicameral legislature includes the Dáil Eireann and the Seanad Eireann, the upper house. McGregor’s rhetoric suggests he intends to hold these institutions and their members accountable in a manner he views as more direct and responsive to the public's needs.
By emphasizing a proactive presidency, McGregor is leveraging his reputation as a no-nonsense, action-oriented individual. "The people of Ireland deserve the answers they seek. Point blank. This would be my power as President," he reiterated in his Twitter declaration.
It remains to be seen how McGregor’s presidential ambitions will unfold and whether the MMA star can translate his charisma and commanding presence in sports into a viable political career. Yet, his statements have already sparked considerable discussion, demonstrating McGregor's knack for staying in the public eye, whether in the octagon or on the aspirational political stage.