Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion known for his striking prowess inside the octagon, has launched a new campaign, this time outside the realm of mixed martial arts. McGregor has announced a strikingly ambitious plan to run for the highest office in the Republic of Ireland—its presidency—in the upcoming 2025 election.
The 35-year-old McGregor has been absent from competitive MMA since July 2021, but his return to public life isn't marked by a comeback to the sport that made him famous. Instead, McGregor declared his political aspirations on Twitter, revealing a desire to become the head of state for Ireland.
A Presidential Bid on Twitter
In a series of tweets, McGregor expressed his vision for Ireland under his leadership. "Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland. It is me. I am the only logical choice. 2025 is upcoming..." he proclaimed with typical McGregor confidence.
McGregor did not stop at mere declarations of candidacy. He went on to outline how he would wield the presidential powers granted to him by the Irish Constitution, a role that, while largely ceremonial, comes with significant responsibilities. "As president, I hold the power to summon the Dáil as well as dissolve it," McGregor stated, referring to Ireland's lower house of parliament. His focus, however, was primarily on bringing transparency and accountability to Irish politics. "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!”
Political Structure and Presidential Role
The role of the president in Ireland, while ceremonially significant, involves substantive duties, including appointing members of the judiciary, signing bills into law, and the aforementioned power to summon or dissolve the Dáil. The current head of state serves for a term of seven years and can be re-elected for a maximum of two terms. The next presidential election is slated for October 2025, following the last one held on October 26, 2018.
For McGregor to succeed in his bid, he must first meet constitutional requirements: a candidate must be an Irish citizen, at least 35 years of age, and secure nominations from at least 20 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas or from four of the 31 county or city councils. In an already politically charged environment, McGregor’s foray into public office promises to add even more excitement.
Bridging Sports and Politics
McGregor's transition from sports to politics may seem unconventional but isn't entirely without precedent. His reputation as a determined and outspoken athlete could align well with the public’s increasing appetite for transparency and change. "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," he said, making it clear that he intends to hold politicians accountable.
"The people of Ireland deserve the answers they seek. Point blank. This would be my power as President," McGregor reiterated, underscoring his commitment to serving the people directly.
McGregor: The Man for the Job?
In a country with a rich political history and a complex modern-day governance structure, McGregor’s entrance into politics is sure to spark debate. His previous career may not have equipped him with traditional political experience, but his ability to galvanize public support and command media attention could serve as significant assets.
In his own words, McGregor asserted, "Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland." As the clock ticks down to the 2025 election, all eyes will undoubtedly be on McGregor to see if his audacious words will translate into action, and whether the people of Ireland will rally behind this unconventional candidate.
With McGregor’s status as a national figure known for his fighting spirit, both in the cage and in the court of public opinion, his run for the presidency promises to be as intoxicating and unpredictable as his storied career. The next few years in Irish politics could very well be shaped by the energetic and unfiltered personality of Conor McGregor.