Renowned mixed martial artist Conor McGregor has declared his intention to run for President of Ireland, positioning himself as a staunch opponent of the European Union's Migration Pact. In a recent social media post, McGregor criticized the government's commitment to fully implement the pact by June 12, 2026, and pledged to put the decision to a public referendum if elected.
The EU Migration Pact, adopted in May 2024, aims to overhaul the asylum system across member states, introducing measures for more efficient application processing and a mandatory solidarity mechanism to distribute responsibility among countries. Ireland officially opted into the pact on June 27, 2024, and is required to implement the new measures by mid-2026.
McGregor's announcement comes on the heels of his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House, where he met with former U.S. President Donald Trump. During the visit, McGregor expressed concerns about Ireland's national identity, stating that the country is "on the cusp of losing its Irishness" due to an "illegal immigration racket."
The Irish government has faced criticism for its decision to adopt the EU Migration Pact, with opponents arguing that it could compromise national sovereignty over immigration policies. McGregor has vowed to challenge the government's stance, asserting that any decision of this magnitude should be made by the people of Ireland through a referendum.
The next Irish presidential election is scheduled to take place by November 11, 2025. McGregor's entry into the political arena adds a new dimension to the upcoming race, as he positions himself as a candidate willing to challenge the status quo and give the Irish people a direct voice on critical issues affecting the nation's future.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how McGregor's candidacy will influence the national discourse on immigration and Ireland's role within the European Union.