Conor McGregor has promised to hold a referendum on the European Union’s Migration Pact if he becomes president of Ireland. In a social media post on Thursday, the mixed martial arts star expressed his opposition to the pact, arguing that the decision to implement it should be made by the Irish people, not just the government.
While McGregor’s presidential role is largely ceremonial, his proposal has sparked debate about the influence the office could have in challenging government decisions. Under Ireland’s constitution, the president doesn’t have the power to call a referendum independently but can refer bills to the Supreme Court or return them to the Dáil for reconsideration. McGregor’s criticism of current immigration policies has resonated with many, particularly those concerned about mass immigration’s impact on Ireland.
Earlier this week, McGregor used his St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House to warn the Irish diaspora in the U.S. about the effects of immigration on Ireland. He claimed that some rural towns have been overwhelmed by immigrants, with locals becoming a minority. His comments were met with criticism from government officials, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who called McGregor’s remarks wrong and disconnected from the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
McGregor’s potential entry into the presidential race could challenge the political status quo in Ireland, particularly among younger, disillusioned voters. However, whether he can gather enough support to run remains uncertain.
