Conor McGregor, the flamboyant and controversial former mixed martial arts (MMA) star, has set Irish politics abuzz with his announcement to run for President of Ireland. However, his declaration has been met not with support, but with widespread and bipartisan political resistance. From the halls of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) to local council chambers, politicians have roundly rejected the idea of McGregor holding the nation’s highest ceremonial office — with many describing his bid as a dangerous distraction, and even a threat to the dignity of the presidency.
McGregor, known as much for his UFC fighting career as for his headline-grabbing controversies, recently launched a campaign suggesting he would “make Ireland great again,” echoing populist rhetoric from global political movements. Central to his platform is a strong anti-immigration stance, positioning himself as a defender of Irish identity against what he portrays as unchecked migration. This has alarmed many observers who warn that his rhetoric veers into the far-right, and could fuel division in an otherwise relatively moderate political landscape.
Despite McGregor’s claims of being the voice of the people, his potential candidacy has found no resonance among Ireland’s elected officials. A Sky News survey of 134 sitting members of the Oireachtas revealed a complete rejection of his presidential ambitions. Not one TD or senator supported his nomination, with one politician bluntly stating there is “not a hope in hell” that McGregor would be considered suitable. Others remarked that McGregor is the “last person” they would entrust with the responsibilities of the presidency, which in Ireland include serving as a moral authority, a unifying figure, and the face of the nation on the global stage.
The rejection extends beyond the national level. A similar survey conducted by The Irish Times among local councillors — who, along with parliamentarians, have the power to nominate presidential candidates — found that nearly all respondents were opposed to endorsing McGregor. Out of 188 councillors surveyed, only one expressed willingness to support his nomination. The overwhelming majority cited grave concerns, not only over McGregor’s political views, but also his personal conduct and criminal allegations.
A particularly serious factor affecting McGregor’s political prospects is a High Court civil jury verdict which found that he raped a woman in a Dublin hotel in 2018. Though McGregor has denied wrongdoing and has not been convicted in a criminal court, the civil case and its public revelations have further eroded any political legitimacy he might have sought.
Political analysts have described McGregor’s chances of appearing on the presidential ballot as “virtually nonexistent.” Presidential candidates in Ireland can enter the race in one of three ways: securing the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas, being nominated by at least four local authorities, or being the incumbent president seeking re-election. Given the strong opposition from both parliamentarians and councillors, it seems increasingly unlikely McGregor could meet even the minimum threshold to qualify.
Even within the public sphere, reactions to McGregor’s announcement have been polarizing. While some social media users praised his brash style and promises of change, others expressed deep concern that a figure with such a controversial and violent past could attempt to rebrand himself as a national leader.
As Ireland gears up for its next presidential election, expected in 2025, McGregor’s declaration has stirred both curiosity and consternation. But if the consensus among Ireland’s political class holds, his presidential dreams may be nothing more than a publicity stunt destined to fail. Regardless of his next move, the backlash he has received underscores the strong cultural and institutional commitment in Ireland to uphold the integrity of the presidency — one that many feel is incompatible with Conor McGregor’s persona.
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