UFC star Conor McGregor has hinted at plans to run for President of Ireland. Incumbent Michael D. Higgins began his second and final seven-year term in 2018.
The former two-weight world champion has been increasingly vocal about against mass migration to Ireland in recent months. McGregor blasted the European Union’s open borders, which allowed a pedophile to move to Ireland and kill a young woman. He criticized immigration policy more broadly after an Algerian migrant stabbed a woman and three toddlers near a school. McGregor even appeared to suggest locals should destroy empty hotels the government plans to fill with migrants.
The role of President of Ireland is largely ceremonial, however. He can refer a bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality, but does not have veto power. For the most part, he is required to follow the “advice” of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and his government, which enjoys executive authority. The post would simply provide McGregor with a powerful bully pulpit to influence the national discourse.
The political establishment throws up substantial roadblocks against outsider candidates. While the President is directly elected, candidates must be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (legislature) or at least four of the country’s 31 city and county councils to stand.
On six occasions, only one candidate has made the ballot, resulting in them being “elected” without a public vote.
