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Conor McGregor's Presidential Bid: Will 'The Notorious' Trade the Octagon for the Áras?

6 September, 2024 - 7:06PM
Conor McGregor's Presidential Bid: Will 'The Notorious' Trade the Octagon for the Áras?
Credit: essentiallysports.com

Conor McGregor might be president of Ireland before he fights again in the UFC. McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, expressed his interest in running for the Republic of Ireland's head of state in 2025.

McGregor might be fighting for the public vote before he fights Michael Chandler. McGregor, who has not competed in mixed martial arts since July 2021, teased a presidential run on social media on Thursday.

"As president, I hold the power to summon the Dail as well as dissolve it," McGregor wrote on Twitter. "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!"

"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. Stop the train until. The people of Ireland deserve the answers they seek. Point blank. This would be my power as President."

The Irish president largely has a ceremonial role and is elected directly by the people. The president can exercise limited powers, including appointing judiciaries and signing bills into law, but it's usually done under the government's advice. The head of government is the Taoiseach, which translates to "chief" and is similar to the role of prime minister. The Republic of Ireland's legislature consists of a lower house -- the aforementioned Dail Eireann -- an upper house called Seanad Eireann, and the elected president. The chief is elected by the Dail and appointed by the president.

The President of Ireland, officially the head of state and supreme commander of the Irish Defence Forces, holds office for seven years and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The last election took place on Oct. 26, 2018, and the next one is expected for October 2025. Candidates must be an Irish citizen, at least 35 years of age, and be nominated by at least 20 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas (the legislature), four of the 31 county or city Councils, or themselves in the case of an incumbent or former president.

"Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland. It is me. I am the only logical choice," McGregor wrote. "2025 is upcoming…"

A Controversial Bid

McGregor's presidential aspirations have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising his boldness and others questioning his qualifications. Some have pointed to McGregor's lack of experience in government, while others have questioned his temperament and propensity for inflammatory rhetoric.

McGregor's comments have also reignited debate about the role of the Irish presidency. Some have argued that the presidency is a ceremonial position that should be filled by someone with experience in diplomacy and public service. Others have argued that the presidency is a platform for strong leadership and that McGregor's willingness to challenge the status quo could be a valuable asset.

McGregor's Motivation

It is unclear whether McGregor's presidential aspirations are genuine or simply a publicity stunt. McGregor has a history of using social media to stir up controversy and generate headlines. It is possible that he is using the presidential race as a way to boost his own profile and attract attention to his upcoming UFC fight.

However, McGregor has also spoken about his desire to make a difference in Irish politics. He has been critical of the Irish government's handling of a number of issues, including the economy, social welfare, and the cost of living. It is possible that he genuinely believes that he can bring about positive change as president.

The Road Ahead

If McGregor decides to run for president, he will face a number of challenges. He will need to secure enough nominations to qualify for the ballot and then he will need to convince the Irish public that he is the best person to lead the country.

McGregor's presidential bid is likely to be a long and arduous journey, but it is also a fascinating story that is sure to keep the Irish public captivated. It remains to be seen whether the fighter who once ruled the Octagon can conquer the world of Irish politics.

The Notorious and the Dáil: A Match Made in Controversy

Ultimately, Conor McGregor's potential presidential run is a testament to the unpredictable nature of politics and the celebrity culture that has increasingly infiltrated the political arena. McGregor's bid could be a game-changer or a short-lived spectacle. Regardless, one thing is certain: the Irish people, and the world, will be watching with bated breath.

Tags:
Conor McGregor Conor McGregor Ireland President Politics UFC
Elena Kowalski
Elena Kowalski

Political Analyst

Analyzing political developments and policies worldwide.