Conor McGregor is shaking up Irish politics with his presidential bid. The UFC star announced his run after meeting Donald Trump. He’s vowing to stop illegal immigration and put the EU Migration Pact to a public vote. But experts say he faces an uphill battle.
McGregor’s ties to Trump and Elon Musk might hurt more than help. Both are unpopular in Ireland. Voters see them as outsiders meddling in Irish issues. Career politicians are already dismissing McGregor as a distraction. They say he’s not serious about leading the country.
Getting on the ballot is his first hurdle. McGregor needs support from 20 lawmakers or four local councils. Most lawmakers belong to parties that won’t back him. County councils are unlikely to endorse a celebrity with no political experience. Without their help, his campaign ends before it starts.
Polls show only 8% of Irish voters support McGregor. Nearly 90% say they’d never vote for him. His past scandals, including assault charges, make him toxic to families and older voters. Big brands dropped him after a civil court found he attacked a woman. He’s still appealing that ruling.
Irish leaders blasted McGregor’s anti-immigration rhetoric. The prime minister called his comments “wrong” and out of step with Irish values. Critics say McGregor is exploiting fears instead of offering real solutions. They argue he’s dividing the country instead of uniting it.
McGregor promises to “save Ireland’s Irishness” by letting voters decide on migration policies. He wore a “Make Ireland Great Again” hat at a recent event, echoing Trump’s slogan. Supporters cheer his push for direct democracy. They say career politicians have ignored ordinary citizens for too long.
Legal troubles keep piling up. McGregor faces ongoing court cases that could distract from campaigning. Opponents say a president with his baggage would embarrass Ireland on the world stage. They question if he can lead when he’s fighting personal lawsuits.
Despite the drama, McGregor’s campaign highlights frustration with Ireland’s political class. He’s tapping into anger over unchecked migration and elitist policies. But with low polls and legal chaos, his presidential dream looks more like a publicity stunt than a real movement. The establishment hopes voters tune out the noise and stick with tradition.
