Conor McGregor Hints at Presidential Run in Ireland, Fueled by Opposition to EU Migration Pact
Conor McGregor, the renowned UFC fighter and global superstar, has ignited speculation about a potential career shift into the political arena, hinting at a presidential run in his home country of Ireland. The pronouncements, delivered via a lengthy Instagram post, arrive just days after McGregor’s visit to the White House, where he voiced criticisms of the Irish government.
McGregor’s political aspirations appear to be intrinsically linked to his opposition to the EU Migration Pact, a complex agreement requiring Ireland to fully implement its provisions by June 12, 2026. The implementation necessitates the passage of several pieces of legislation through both houses of the Irish parliament, followed by presidential approval.
In his Instagram post, McGregor directly challenged the government’s commitment to the pact, questioning who would stand up to oppose the bill. His answer was unequivocal: "I will!" He emphasized the importance of the Irish people’s choice in determining their future, asserting that "That is a true democracy!"
McGregor painted a vision of Ireland under his leadership, one where "All citizens of Ireland [would] have a voice and a choice on their future!" He concluded his post with a patriotic flourish, urging citizens to "Vote McGregor and have your voice heard!"
McGregor’s recent White House visit further amplified his political messaging. Appearing alongside White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, McGregor seized the opportunity to lambaste the Irish government, accusing them of abandoning the voices of the Irish people and lacking both action and accountability. He portrayed the situation in Ireland as a "travesty," aiming to raise awareness among Americans about the issues facing his homeland.
This isn’t the first time McGregor has publicly contemplated a presidential bid. Back in September, he playfully teased the possibility, declaring himself the "only logical choice" for the job. While these earlier statements were viewed with a degree of humor, his recent pronouncements, coupled with his White House appearance and outspoken opposition to the EU Migration Pact, suggest a more serious engagement with the political landscape.
The EU Migration Pact is a comprehensive framework designed to manage migration flows across the European Union. It addresses various aspects of migration, including border control, asylum procedures, and the integration of migrants into host societies. The pact has been met with both support and opposition across Europe, with critics raising concerns about its potential impact on national sovereignty and its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of migration.
In Ireland, the pact has sparked debate about the country’s capacity to accommodate migrants and the potential strain on public services. Proponents argue that the pact is necessary to ensure a fair and orderly approach to migration, while opponents express fears about its potential consequences for Irish society and culture. McGregor’s opposition to the pact aligns him with a segment of the Irish population that is skeptical of increased immigration and concerned about the potential impact on their way of life.
McGregor’s foray into politics comes on the heels of Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s own meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, suggesting a heightened level of engagement between Irish and American political figures.
McGregor’s transition from the octagon to the political arena, while unorthodox, is not entirely unprecedented. Several athletes and celebrities have successfully transitioned into political careers, leveraging their fame and public recognition to gain traction with voters. However, McGregor’s lack of political experience and his often controversial public persona could pose challenges to his candidacy.
McGregor’s potential presidential run injects a dose of celebrity and controversy into Irish politics. His popularity among certain segments of the population, combined with his outspoken criticism of the government, could make him a formidable contender. However, his success will depend on his ability to articulate a clear vision for Ireland and to convince voters that he has the experience and temperament to lead the country. The next few years leading up to the 2026 deadline for implementing the EU Migration Pact will undoubtedly be filled with political maneuvering and debate, and Conor McGregor’s voice will likely be a prominent one in the conversation.
The former UFC champion also took a jab at WWE, claiming he ‘stole’ Vince McMahon’s strut.
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
