UFC legend Conor McGregor announces bid for Irish presidency
What's the story
Famed UFC fighter Conor McGregor has officially announced his plans to run for the presidency of Ireland.
On Thursday, he promised to prioritize national preservation and tackle migration issues after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House last week.
McGregor will campaign against the European Migration Pact, which would streamline border security and immigration while also speeding up the asylum process for European Union members.
Campaign strategy
McGregor challenges traditional political candidates
In a post on the social media platform X, McGregor asked who would stand up against the government and oppose the European Migration Pact.
"Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!"
The Irish fighter also suggested that citizens be given the right to vote on whether or not to implement the European Migration Pact, instead of it being approved only by the Houses of the Oireachtas and president.
Democratic process
McGregor advocates for public referendum on migration pact
"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," he said.
McGregor, born in Dublin, was the first fighter to hold two UFC championships at the same time and, according to Forbes, was the world's highest-paid sports personality in 2021.
Challenges
Few Irish MPs share his extreme anti-immigrant sentiments
But McGregor has an uphill battle to get his name on the ballot because few Irish MPs share his extreme anti-immigrant sentiments.
Irish leader Micheál Martin said McGregor's comments that rural towns were being overrun by immigrants "did not reflect...the views of the people of Ireland."
According to Ireland's electoral commission, presidential candidates must be nominated by at least 20 of the 234 members of the lower and upper houses, as well as four of the country's 31 local councils.