On social media, many viewers were stunned after Conor McGregor announced he will run for president of Ireland following a meeting with Donald Trump.
Conor McGregor announces bid for Ireland’s presidency
Conor McGregor has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of Ireland.
His announcement came shortly after a visit to the White House, where he met with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a social media post, McGregor shared an image of himself in front of a private jet, wearing a “Make Ireland Great Again” cap.
On Instagram, McGregor wrote: ‘Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026.
‘So between now and 12 June 2026, several pieces of legislation have to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas & then signed by the President.
‘The next presidential election must take place by 11 Nov 2025. Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill?
‘Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!
‘For clarity also, as President, I would put forth this bill to referendum.
‘Although I oppose greatly this pact, it is neither mine nor governments choice to make. It is the people of Irelands choice! Always! That is a true democracy!’
During his visit, McGregor criticized Ireland’s current leadership, stating that the country was facing an “illegal immigration racket.”
He expressed concerns about Ireland “potentially losing its Irishness” and condemned the government’s spending on “overseas issues.”
McGregor’s Stance on the EU Migration Pact
In a lengthy Instagram post, McGregor discussed Ireland’s requirement to fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026.
He emphasized that various legislative measures must be passed before this deadline.
McGregor questioned who else would challenge the government on this issue, positioning himself as the only viable opposition.
McGregor pledged to put the migration bill to a referendum if elected. He declared that while he personally opposed the pact, it was up to the Irish people to decide its fate.
He described this approach as “true democracy.”
McGregor calls for public support
McGregor continued his campaign on social media, urging the public to vote for him in the 2025 presidential election.
He declared that Ireland needed to be saved and that he was the leader to do it.
During a press event with Trump, McGregor accused the Irish government of lacking accountability. He criticized leaders for failing to act in the best interests of Irish citizens.
Backlash from Irish leaders
Irish politicians responded critically to McGregor’s statements.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that McGregor’s rhetoric did not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day or the values of the Irish people.
He emphasized that the holiday was about community, humanity, and fellowship.
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also distanced the government from McGregor, stating that the fighter had no mandate to represent Ireland.
Harris stressed that McGregor was in the U.S. in a personal capacity and did not speak for the country.
Despite having no prior experience in public office, McGregor asserted that he was the “only logical choice” for Ireland’s presidency.
He claimed that his lack of political affiliations made him an ideal candidate who could hold the government accountable.
He vowed to challenge Ireland’s current political class and listen to the concerns of everyday citizens.