Mixed martial arts heavyweight Conor McGregor has vowed to hold a referendum on the implementation of the European Union’s controversial Migration Pact should he succeed in an expected bid for the Irish presidency later this year.
In a statement posted to social media on Thursday, the former UFC star declared that the decision to implement the EU agreement should be put directly to the Irish people, rather than being handled solely by the government and legislature.
“Although I oppose greatly this pact, it is neither mine nor the government’s choice to make. It is the people of Ireland’s choice — always! That is true democracy,” McGregor wrote.
He said the EU Migration Pact, agreed in Brussels, sets a deadline of June 12, 2026, for full implementation. Between now and then, several key pieces of legislation must pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas and receive presidential assent. The next Irish presidential election is scheduled to take place no later than Nov. 11, 2025.
“Who else will stand up to the government and oppose this bill? Any other presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!” McGregor added.
While the Irish presidency is primarily a ceremonial role, McGregor’s proposal has sparked debate over the powers of the office and the potential influence of a populist figure in the Áras an Uachtaráin. Constitutionally, the president cannot call a referendum unilaterally but can refer bills to the Supreme Court or return them to the Dáil (the lower house of the Irish parliament) for reconsideration.
McGregor’s outspoken criticism of current immigration policy and his increasingly nationalist tone have positioned him as an influential voice in Irish public discourse, much to the irritation of many within the Irish establishment.
Earlier this week, used a visit to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day to address the Irish diaspora in the United States and sound the alarm on the detrimental effect that mass immigration is having on his homeland.
He warned that should things continue at their current pace, Irish Americans wouldn’t have a homeland to come back and visit.
“It’s high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland. Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability,” McGregor said.
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) March 17, 2025
Conor McGregor sounds the alarm on the immigration crisis enveloping Ireland.
"There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. It's a travesty!"@TheNotoriousMMA | #StPatricksDay pic.twitter.com/Ea9xvoNdB0
“The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. It’s a travesty!”
His remarks drew strong criticism from leading Irish government figures, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin who wrote in response, “St. Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship. Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.”
“He doesn’t speak for Ireland. He doesn’t speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such,” added Martin’s deputy, Simon Harris.
McGregor has long hinted at political ambitions, and his entry into the presidential race — should he formally declare — could shake up the political establishment in Ireland. He could garner considerable support among the Irish youth and many disillusioned voters, many of whom consider the current parliamentary representation to be much of the same.
Whether he could amass the necessary political nominations and backing to formally run, however, remains to be seen.
