Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has escalated his political ambitions, publicly urging Irish citizens and local councillors to support his nomination for the country’s presidency.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), McGregor declared: “Citizens of Ireland, the time for real change is now! As President, I will not sign any bill in law until it goes back to the people first!”
Rallying Support
McGregor appealed directly to voters to pressure their local county councillors into nominating him for the presidential ballot, stressing the pivotal role councillors play in grassroots governance.
“Our councillors are the backbone of our communities,” McGregor said, accusing lawmakers in the Oireachtas of “failing the country time and again.”
He also positioned himself as a voice for councillors who feel “ignored” or “overlooked,” promising them greater influence if he were elected.
Anti-Establishment Tone
McGregor framed his campaign as a push against Ireland’s political establishment, pledging that if elected, he would withhold presidential approval of bills until they were first returned to the people for review. The populist stance reflects his bid to harness public frustration with the country’s political class.
Next Steps
Under Irish electoral rules, presidential candidates require nominations from 20 members of the Oireachtas or four county or city councils to secure a place on the ballot. McGregor’s message signals a grassroots effort to mobilize councillors ahead of the nomination process.
If successful, the outspoken former fighter could transform Ireland’s presidential race, injecting celebrity influence and a sharp anti-establishment narrative into the political debate.
