Former UFC champion Conor McGregor hinted at a possible run for office in his native Ireland on Tuesday, promising both a metaphorical and literal cage match with his likely opponents.
The mixed martial artist’s rumored presidential ambitions, which arose alongside protests against the Irish government’s immigration policies, have captured the attention of high-profile backers — Tesla CEO Elon Musk among them.
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As Valuetainment previously reported, the recent unrest in the Irish capital of Dublin began last month after an Algerian immigrant stabbed three children and two women outside a local elementary school. In response, nearly 500 protesters took to the streets, waving flags and chanting “Irish Lives Matter.” Tensions flared as night fell, leading to clashes with police and 34 arrests, as well as several vehicles being vandalized and burned.
While Irish government officials denounced the protesters as “far-right hooligans,” Conor McGregor championed the cause of national pride, calling for an end to Ireland’s unrestricted immigration policies. “There is grave danger among us in Ireland that should never be here in the first place, and there has been zero action done to support the public in any way, shape, or form with this frightening fact,” he wrote in a now-deleted X post.
“NOT GOOD ENOUGH,” he declared to the nation’s leadership. “Make change or make way.”
On Tuesday, just days after the Irish government brought “hate speech” charges against him for his public comments, McGregor shared a photo of himself in a suit alongside the caption “Ireland, your president.”
Ireland, your President. ☘️❤️ pic.twitter.com/MdLQZzUwiI
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2023
A second post sized up the other candidates McGregor might face in the 2025 election were he to throw his hat into the ring.
“Potential competition if I run: Gerry [Adams], 78. Bertie [Ahern]. 75. Enda [Kenny], 74. Each with unbreakable ties to their individual parties politics,” McGregor wrote, highlighting the age of the contenders hoping to replace incumbent president Michael Higgins. “Or me, 35. Young, active, passionate, fresh skin in the game. I listen. I support. I adapt. I have no affiliation/bias/favoritism toward any party.”
“It would not be me in power as President, people of Ireland,” he continued. “It would be me and you.”
“I think you could take them all single-handed,” responded X owner and free speech advocate Elon Musk. “Not even fair.”
I think you could take them all single-handed. Not even fair 😂
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 5, 2023
McGregor then laid out the arduous process for securing a presidential nomination, which includes obtaining endorsements from 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) or four county councils. But while the road to the presidency would be difficult — particularly for a political outsider — he remains confident in his platform of “absolute transparency” and “true democracy.”
“I’d fancy my chances Elon, 100%.”
I’d fancy my chances Elon, 100%. I’d need to be nominated either by: at least 20 members of the Oireachtas; or at least four local authorities (AKA county councils) to run.
▪ Most (26) local authorities are county councils.
▪ There are also 3 city councils (Dublin, Galway, and… https://t.co/wB4cNil7F9— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 5, 2023
McGregor also promised that, if elected, he would erect a “President’s Octagon” outside the executive residence at Áras an Uachtaráin and challenge every Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister appointed by the president) to a “friendly spar.”
If anointed, the appointing of An Taoiseach will begin with a friendly sparring match in my purpose built, Presidents Octagon, in the grass outside Áras an Uachtaráin. Gumshield, 16oz gloves, shin pads, vale tudo for Caio. If you cannot spar a friendly spar with your President…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 5, 2023
Given McGregor’s current rivalry with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, this event may be less than friendly at first, further highlighted by the featherweight champion’s attached training reels.
My recent, for study. https://t.co/8xEbYq4p7o
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 5, 2023
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