Conor McGregor Eyes Ireland's Presidency in 2025
Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, has announced his interest in running for the presidency of the Republic of Ireland in 2025. The mixed martial artist, who has not competed since July 2021, took to Twitter to share his political aspirations with his followers.
McGregor’s declaration has been met with a mix of intrigue and skepticism, given his fame as a fighter rather than a politician. Speaking on his vision for Ireland, McGregor tweeted, "Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland. It is me. I am the only logical choice. 2025 is upcoming..."
The role of the Irish president is largely ceremonial but comes with significant responsibilities such as appointing judiciary members, signing bills into law, and the power to summon or dissolve the Dáil (the lower house of the Irish Parliament). Currently, the position is held by an incumbent who serves a seven-year term and can be re-elected for a maximum of two terms. The last presidential election took place on October 26, 2018, making the next election due in October 2025.
For a candidate to run for president in Ireland, they must be an Irish citizen, at least 35 years old, and secure nominations from at least 20 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas or from four out of the 31 county or city councils. McGregor, who meets these criteria, now faces the challenge of securing the necessary endorsements and, more crucially, convincing the electorate of his unorthodox candidacy.
Further emphasizing his commitment to the role, McGregor voiced his disdain for current leaders, stating, "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!"
In Ireland's political landscape, the president is the head of state while the real executive power lies with the Taoiseach, the head of government. The bicameral legislature, called the Oireachtas, comprises the Dáil Eireann and the Seanad Eireann (the upper house). This structure means any drastic changes proposed by McGregor would require broad political backing, a challenge for any non-traditional candidate.
Conor McGregor’s rhetoric suggests a radical approach to governance, as highlighted by his remarks on direct accountability, "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."
The fighter’s foray into politics is not entirely without precedent. Globally, figures from sports and entertainment have successfully transitioned into political roles, demonstrating that popularity and public trust can transcend professional boundaries. McGregor's sentiment resonates with a populace seeking transparency and answering public demand, "The people of Ireland deserve the answers they seek. Point blank. This would be my power as President."
As the 2025 election approaches, McGregor’s potential candidacy could reshape the political conversation in Ireland. "Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland," McGregor reiterated, reinforcing his stance on prioritizing citizen engagement and oversight.
Only time will tell if Conor McGregor can successfully channel his combat prowess into a compelling political campaign, addressing Ireland’s most pressing issues. What remains certain is that his entry into the presidential race will add an element of dynamism and, undoubtedly, spectacle to the Irish political scene.