Conor McGregor, the fiery former UFC champion, has stepped out of the octagon and into the political ring, igniting a heated debate across Ireland with his bold stance on mass migration.
In a recent interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, McGregor declared that Ireland is “very close to losing its Irishness” due to what he calls an “influx of illegal mass migration.” His words have electrified supporters and enraged critics, setting the stage for a contentious bid for the Irish presidency.
McGregor’s Battle Cry
McGregor’s outspoken criticism stems from his belief that unchecked immigration is eroding Ireland’s cultural fabric. “This is our public wealth being administered into private hands, enriching people to bring in this migration that is changing the fabric of my country,” he told Carlson, filmed in Dublin’s historic Grand Lodge of Freemasons.
He’s pointed to local incidents—like clashes involving migrants in areas such as Lisdoonvarna and Dundrum—where tensions over housing and integration have boiled over, fueling public frustration. “Ireland is on the cusp of losing its soul, and we will not let that happen,” McGregor vowed, claiming immigration costs Irish taxpayers €4 billion annually.
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The MMA star’s rhetoric has found a receptive audience among some Irish citizens disillusioned with the government’s handling of migration. Posts on X echo his sentiments, with users like @QAussieSocial amplifying his claim that “Ireland is very close to losing its Irishness” and praising his call to action.
High-profile figures like Elon Musk and Andrew Tate have also thrown their weight behind McGregor, boosting his visibility among anti-immigration circles. His recent St. Patrick’s Day appearance at the White House alongside Donald Trump—where he decried the “immigration racket”—further cemented his alignment with global populist movements.
Yet, McGregor’s political ambitions face a steep uphill battle. To even appear on the presidential ballot, he needs the backing of 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities—a tall order given the fierce opposition from Ireland’s political establishment.\
A Sky News survey of 134 parliamentarians found unanimous rejection of his candidacy, with one senator branding him a “tacky, moronic vulgarian” and another calling him “the cheerleader for misogyny in Ireland.” Local councillors, too, have all but shut the door, with 187 out of 188 surveyed refusing to support him, citing his divisive rhetoric and a 2018 civil rape case verdict, which he is appealing.
Public sentiment is equally polarized. Once a national hero, McGregor was booed at a Dublin concert last month, and over 1,000 retailers have boycotted his products, including his Proper Twelve whiskey brand.
A December 2023 poll showed only 8% of Irish voters would back him for president. Critics, including Tánaiste Simon Harris, have slammed his comments as unrepresentative of Ireland’s values, while Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers called his politics “extreme” and predicted a “resounding rejection” of his presidential bid.
Despite the odds, McGregor remains undeterred, framing himself as a man of the people fighting a corrupt elite. “The era of the politician needs to end,” he told Carlson, alleging Ireland is “not a democratic country” and that the government uses “harassment and intimidation tactics” to silence dissent.
He’s even floated radical ideas, like single-handedly fixing Ireland’s housing and economic crises, though skeptics note the presidency’s largely ceremonial role offers little legislative power to enact such changes.
McGregor’s campaign is also dogged by personal controversies. His mother has reportedly urged him to steer clear of politics and enjoy his wealth, while UFC legend Daniel Cormier doubts his popularity in Ireland, bluntly stating, “People in do not even like him.”
Meanwhile, McGregor’s detractors argue his rhetoric risks inflaming tensions, with some accusing him of stoking division at a time when Ireland grapples with integrating refugees and managing finite resources.
As Ireland faces economic pressures from looming U.S. tariffs and strained public services, McGregor’s crusade has tapped into real anxieties about identity and sovereignty. Whether he can translate his fighting spirit into political capital remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Conor McGregor is not going down without a fight. Will he galvanize a movement to “save Ireland,” or will his bid crash and burn? The nation watches, divided and on edge.
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