By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a Sky News survey, 134 Irish politicians unanimously rejected Conor McGregor’s presidential aspirations. Responses ranged from strongly negative to outright dismissive, citing his unsuitability for office and concerns about his character. McGregor requires significant parliamentary support to run, a threshold he appears highly unlikely to meet. This overwhelming opposition underscores the unlikelihood of McGregor’s candidacy, despite his recent announcement and Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump.
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Conor McGregor’s recent announcement of a presidential bid in Ireland has been met with widespread and unequivocal rejection from Irish politicians. The sheer impossibility of such a venture is readily apparent to virtually everyone familiar with Irish politics, and the sentiment ranges from amusement to outright disgust.
The idea of McGregor securing the necessary nominations is laughable. The process requires support from local councils and political parties – something utterly beyond the reach of someone as universally disliked as McGregor currently is. Even if, by some miracle, he managed to navigate these hurdles, his chances of winning would remain minuscule. Irish voters, particularly the older demographic that tends to dominate elections, are largely unfamiliar with him, and those who are aware of his public persona overwhelmingly hold him in contempt.
Beyond the insurmountable logistical and electoral challenges, the very nature of the Irish presidency significantly diminishes the appeal of such a candidacy. The role is largely ceremonial; the president possesses little to no real political power. McGregor’s potential impact on Irish policy would be practically nil, rendering his ambition almost pointless. The suggestion of him “rubber stamping” government decisions highlights the utter irrelevance of his proposed run. This is further emphasized by the fact that even Trump, who seemingly sparked this unconventional idea, couldn’t even remember McGregor’s name, referring to him only as “that boxer guy.”
The shift in public opinion toward McGregor is dramatic. Once a celebrated figure, his actions, including alleged assaults and the highly publicized incident of punching an elderly man, have profoundly tarnished his image. The immense popularity he once enjoyed has evaporated, replaced by widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. His increasingly erratic behavior, attributed by some to the cumulative effects of head trauma sustained throughout his fighting career, drug use, or simply the overwhelming impact of fame and fortune, has only intensified this negative perception.
The notion that McGregor could successfully leverage social media to overcome his abysmal popularity is highly unlikely. While social media can be a powerful tool for political campaigns, it’s unlikely to sway the majority of the Irish electorate against the overwhelming negative sentiment towards him. In fact, his actions have already led to various investigations and potential legal repercussions, making a presidential bid seem almost fantastical given the circumstances. This isn’t just a matter of personal dislike; it’s a reflection of the deep-seated disillusionment with his character and behavior.
The comparison to Trump’s unlikely victory is often raised, but the analogy is ultimately flawed. While Trump’s rise was fueled by a sophisticated exploitation of grievances and a right-wing media ecosystem, Ireland’s political landscape is significantly different. Even if a similar strategy were attempted, the level of public animosity towards McGregor would likely prove insurmountable. Simply put, the majority of Ireland sees him as a national embarrassment.
Furthermore, the Irish political system differs significantly from the American system. It’s a parliamentary system with ranked preference voting, resulting in consistently centrist coalition governments. This system makes it even less probable for an outsider like McGregor to gain traction, let alone achieve victory. The idea of a “MIGA” campaign (Make Ireland Great Again) further highlights the disconnect between McGregor’s ambitions and the realities of Irish politics. It seems wholly out of touch with the sentiment of the nation. His presidential bid is widely regarded as a publicity stunt, a desperate attempt to remain relevant in the face of dwindling popularity and serious legal troubles. The fact that it’s even garnering international headlines is, in itself, considered absurd by most in Ireland.