Irish politicians roast Conor McGregor's presidential run

03/31/2025 06:29 AM

Following a St. Patrick's Day White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor announced his intentions to run for President of Ireland. 

In order to get his name on the ballot, McGregor has to have support from within the Parliament or local authorities. Irish presidential candidates must garner the support of 20 parliament members or the backing of four of Ireland's local authorities. None of the 134 politicians who responded to Sky News supported McGregor's presidential bid. 

Ireland has 234 Parliament members, 174 TDs or members of the lower house, and 60 Senators. Sky News reached out to every one of them and 104 TDs and 30 senators replied. Some of the replies were in brutal opposition of McGregor holding office. 

"I consider him to be a tacky, moronic vulgarian. I would never consider him even remotely a suitable person for a nomination," said one Senator.

"He's a misogynist and a thug. On behalf of the women of Ireland he can f*** off," said one of the TDs.

"I genuinely would struggle to think of anyone worse to hold that position," replied Garret Ahearn, Fine Gael senator. 

"I could not think of anyone more unfit for public office," stated Duncan Smith, Labour TD.

"There is no evidence Mr McGregor has the necessary skillset for the role," said Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail TD.

Related: Michael Chandler reacts to Conor McGregor possibly retiring

"There isn't a snowball's chance… he made a show of himself in Washington DC last week and with no elected mandate he certainly does not "speak for Irish people" when he travels overseas," said Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fail TD.

"Conor McGregor's divisive behaviour and rhetoric would be completely unsuitable for such a role," stated Maeve O'Connell, Fine Gael TD.\

"As a mother of four young boys I have far more ambition for them than to have someone like that in a position of respectability," said Erin McGreehan, Fianna Fail TD.

"McGregor has become the cheerleader for misogyny in Ireland… a populist buffoon," stated another Senator.

The next presidential election in Ireland takes place in November and judging by the responses from the politicians, McGregor will be facing a strong opposition to his nomination.