Not a single Irish politician is backing Conor McGregor in his bid to become the next president of Ireland. In a recent survey conducted by Sky News, all 134 politicians who responded expressed their opposition to McGregor’s ambitions. Comments ranged from strong rejections, such as "not a hope in hell," to more pointed critiques about his fitness for public office.
McGregor, a former MMA champion, has been in the headlines for various reasons, including his ongoing appeal in a civil case where a jury found him liable for raping a woman. He has announced plans to run for president, aiming to gather support for his anti-immigration platform. However, he needs significant backing to qualify as a candidate, either from 20 members of the Oireachtas (Ireland’s parliament) or four local authorities.
The survey revealed that out of 234 Oireachtas members, 104 TDs (members of the lower house) and 30 senators responded, and every one of them declined to support McGregor. None chose to respond with a "maybe," indicating a strong consensus against his candidacy.
Politicians voiced their concerns in harsh terms. One senator referred to McGregor as a "tacky, moronic vulgarian," while another TD criticized him as a "misogynist and a thug." Many expressed doubts about his qualifications and the divisive nature of his public persona. Erin McGreehan, a TD, stated she has "far more ambition for [her] children than to have someone like that in a position of respectability."
Despite the overwhelming rejection from politicians, some analysts suggest that McGregor’s political ambitions might not be genuine. Gary Murphy, a political professor, pointed out that even if McGregor sought nominations from local councils, he would face significant challenges due to the dominance of established political parties.
The timing of McGregor’s announcement comes shortly after a meeting with former President Donald Trump, where he discussed his plans. While he has garnered attention and support from a fanbase in the U.S., many in Ireland remain skeptical of his intentions.
As McGregor continues to pursue his presidential aspirations, the path ahead looks challenging. With no support from the political establishment and ongoing legal issues, his chances of becoming president seem slim.