Conor McGregor Eyes Presidential Run in 2025
In an unexpected turn from the octagon to the political arena, Conor McGregor has announced his intentions to pursue a bid for the presidency of the Republic of Ireland in 2025. The mixed martial arts icon, who has not competed since July 2021, took to Twitter to declare his aspirations, emphasizing the need for a president "employed wholly by the people of Ireland."
McGregor's announcement came as a surprise to many, considering his career has been largely defined by his exploits in mixed martial arts. However, the fighter has never shied away from the spotlight, nor from expressing his bold views. This latest declaration is no exception. "Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland. It is me. I am the only logical choice. 2025 is upcoming..." McGregor tweeted, setting the stage for what could be one of the most colorful candidacies in Irish political history.
The role of the Irish president is primarily ceremonial, yet it carries significant duties such as appointing judiciaries, signing bills into law, and having the authority to summon or dissolve the Dáil, Ireland's lower house of parliament. In his candidacy announcement, McGregor did not shy away from expressing his intentions to hold the current political establishment accountable. "As president, I hold the power to summon the Dail as well as dissolve it. So as I said before, I would have all the answers the people of Ireland seek from these thieves of the working man, these disrupters of the family unit, these destructors of small businesses, and on and on and on!" he posted on Twitter.
McGregor's potential bid will require him to navigate the formal nomination process. To qualify as a candidate, one must be an Irish citizen, at least 35 years old, and obtain nominations from at least 20 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas or from four of the 31 county or city councils. Given his celebrity status and the polarizing nature of his public persona, it remains to be seen whether McGregor can muster the necessary political support.
The current head of state serves a seven-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second term. The next presidential election is anticipated to be held in October 2025, which gives McGregor less than two years to solidify his campaign strategy and political platform. The last presidential election was conducted on October 26, 2018, suggesting a stable electoral timeline for the aspiring candidate.
The political structure in Ireland is notably different from many other countries. While the president holds various ceremonial roles, the Taoiseach serves as the head of government, wielding more direct political influence and power. Ireland's bicameral legislature consists of the Dáil Eireann and the Seanad Eireann, and McGregor's statements suggest a desire to challenge and perhaps disrupt the current political continuity.
McGregor’s proclamations on Twitter further revealed his vision of transparency and accountability. "These charlatans in their positions of power would be summoned to answer to the people of Ireland and I would have it done by day end. Or I would be left with no choice but to dissolve the Dáil entirely," he asserted, presenting himself as a champion for the common people. He concluded by underscoring the importance of addressing the public's concerns directly: "The people of Ireland deserve the answers they seek. Point blank. This would be my power as President."
"Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland," McGregor continued, reiterating his initial claim. This approach, characterized by vigor and a vow to confront established power structures, suggests that McGregor views the presidency not just as a ceremonial role but as a platform for real change.
As the days progress, the sports world and political pundits alike will be watching closely to see how McGregor's bid evolves. His transition from the octagon to a political candidacy is unorthodox, yet it also challenges conventional political boundaries, potentially attracting a diverse following. Whether or not McGregor's ambitions to become Ireland's head of state materialize, his announcement has already added a dynamic and intriguing layer to the forthcoming 2025 presidential race.