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Could MMA superstar Conor McGregor become president of Ireland?
The 35-year-old former two-division UFC champion continues to tease a presidential bid for 2025, saying he’d ”fancy his chances” and calling himself ”Mr. Ireland” while taking shots at the country’s politicians for being old and, as McGregor suggests, out of touch with the Irish people.
McGregor’s political ambitions is currently making news all over the world while also generating massive engagement on social media.
Ireland, your President. ☘️❤️ pic.twitter.com/MdLQZzUwiI
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2023
On his X page, ”The Notorious” has been putting out several politically-motivated tweets the last couple of weeks, criticising the government and targeting Ireland’s immigration policy while reaching millions of followers and even getting public support by X owner Elon Musk.
”I think you could take them all single-handed. Not even fair,” Musk tweeted about Conor McGregor running for president, later adding: ”I hope you are at least nominated. That would shake things up!”
Thanks Connor.
That is an obscure process for sure. The people of Ireland deserve more clarity and transparency in how their leaders are chosen.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Well, I hope you are at least nominated. That would shake things up!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 5, 2023
More recently, American UFC title contender and former interim welterweight champ Colby Covington – a die-hard Trump supporter – said he thinks McGregor would make a good leader for his people.
“I think Conor would be a great leader, I think that he has a lot of those leadership, world championship qualities,” Covington told Mirror Fighting. “He believes in freedom which is most important. So I respect Conor so much because of how much he cares about his people and how much he wants freedom for his people.”
While he’s definitely gaining momentum online and stealing far more headlines than any Irish presidential candidate at the moment, a serious political campaign would require more than just social media support. McGregor needs the backing of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities in order to stand in the presidential election. And since the main political parties will back their own candidates, the MMA fighter would need to rely on independents.
However, according to a survey by The Irish Sun, McGregor is seemingly lacking support amongst current independent senators and TDs as no one offered their support when asked by the newspaper. Of 33 contacted, twelve provided an answer with some of them scoffing at the idea of McGregor running for president.
“I wouldn’t even nominate him to wash the dishes. That’s the straight, honest truth of it. End of story,” Senator Eileen Flynn told The Irish Sun.
“I wouldn’t nominate him to lace my shoes,” said Donegal TD Thomas Pringle.
Others remained more neutral and said they’d consider every candidate in due time.
“As to whether I’d vote to nominate Conor McGregor to run for the Presidency — if I’m still a TD in autumn 2025, and that’s a big if, as it’ll be after the next general election — I’ll see who’s seeking a nomination at that point and vote for whoever I think would make the best candidate.” Clare TD Michael McNamara told the same newspaper when asked about McGregor.
“I will consider the field when I see it. I never met Conor McGregor. I never watched any of his MMA or boxing and I don’t know anything about it to be honest,” said Tipperary’s Mattie McGrath, adding: “I would have to meet him and talk to him and consider who else is looking for a nomination.”
It remains to be seen if McGregor is content just flirting with the idea, or if he’s actually looking to get into the presidential race in Ireland for real.
As of now, the train keeps rolling with almost daily tweets and political outbursts on X – most recently just a few minutes ago as he responded to some of the senators and TD’s nasty remarks in a voice message.
”Senator Eileen Flynn has said she would nominate me to wash the dishes. How disrespectful. Senator, I nominate you to brush your teeth and see the dentist. Because if ever there was a cause to bring back masks, I would call for it. You weren’t even voted in, you were nominated as a token, so I would appreciate less of the disrespect.” said in response to Eileen Flynn.
”The real nation of Ireland is feed up with you people inside that doll,” McGregor continued in his recent rant. ”And change is coming. Change is coming. For the benefit of Ireland, for the progression of Ireland. We have had enough, and it is time that our nation stands up. So stay ready.”
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 8, 2023
As for his fighting career, many fans are anticipating an octagon return in April at UFC 300 against the top five ranked lightweight contender and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler. However, there’s also been talk of a fight in the summer according to SBG Ireland head coach John Kavanaugh.
There is no official word from the promotion regarding Conor McGregor’s next fight and return date just yet.
McGregor saga continues. As always, make sure to catch your MMA and combat sports news on Frontkick.online and follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date with all things fighting!
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