![Conor McGregor pushes petition for his presidential campaign. [Image courtesy: Getty]](https://mediatalkafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Conor-McGregor-Seeks-Irish-Presidency-via-Democracy-Reform-Petition-1024x640.jpg "Conor McGregor Seeks Irish Presidency via Democracy Reform Petition")
Conor McGregor has intensified efforts to sustain his unlikely campaign for Ireland’s presidency, launching a public petition to dismantle what he describes as systemic barriers blocking his path to the ballot. The mixed martial artist turned political hopeful faces steep odds under current Irish election rules, which require presidential candidates to secure endorsements from 20 members of the Oireachtas (Ireland’s legislature) or four local government bodies. McGregor contends these requirements favor established politicians over grassroots candidates, calling the system a “stranglehold” on democratic participation.
In social media posts directed at Irish citizens and diaspora communities, McGregor framed his petition as a broader push to democratize Ireland’s political process. “The people, not political elites, should decide who appears on the presidential ballot,” he wrote on X, urging supporters to back his call for electoral reform. While explicitly tying the effort to his own candidacy, he emphasized aspirations to “reshape Irish democracy” by decentralizing nomination power.
The campaign coincides with McGregor’s unorthodox policy proposals, including withdrawing Ireland from the EU migration pact, tightening border security, and redirecting funds toward domestic priorities. In another post, he speculated about hosting a UFC event at the White House if elected, asserting he would be “well over half a year” into his presidential term by mid-2026. Such statements—paired with vows to combat human trafficking—have drawn attention but little tangible political support.
Analysts note significant legal and logistical hurdles. Ireland’s presidency is largely ceremonial, with limited executive power, and McGregor’s lack of backing from major parties or lawmakers complicates his eligibility. Independent candidates in Ireland rarely secure the required nominations without institutional alliances, a reality McGregor’s online-driven campaign has yet to address.
The petition’s viability remains unclear, as constitutional changes in Ireland typically require parliamentary approval or a referendum. Despite this, McGregor’s mobilization underscores growing global trends of celebrities leveraging their platforms to challenge traditional political frameworks. The outcome may hinge on whether his call for reform resonates beyond his fanbase, testing public appetite for overhauling election mechanisms long dominated by party structures.
