In a recent Instagram and X post, Conor McGregor, a two-time champion, voiced his strong disapproval of the Irish government’s migration policies, specifically the EU Migration Pact. He challenged the public to consider who would stand against the government on this issue, emphatically stating, “I will!” He indicated his intention to propose a referendum on the matter, asserting that the decision around the pact should lie with the people of Ireland rather than the government.
McGregor articulated his opposition to the pact, emphasising that it is the duty of the Irish citizens to decide their future. He reinforced this sentiment by mentioning that upcoming presidential elections, likely to happen by 11 November 2025, should guarantee that every citizen’s voice regarding their nation’s trajectory is heard.
His post came against a backdrop of political tension, as Ireland had joined the Migration Pact the previous year despite opposition from the party Sinn Féin. The party has been vocal about advocating for direct action on internal migration policies, asserting that decisions on such matters should primarily rest with the national government, which is accountable to its electorate. Matt Carthy, a Sinn Féin MP, underscored this by stating that while collaborative action is sometimes necessary, the sovereignty of Ireland in deciding its migration policies should only be limited when absolutely required.
Conor McGregor’s remarks spotlight the ongoing debate surrounding Ireland’s immigration strategies and reflect a desire for public involvement in significant political decisions, harnessing his profile to engage the citizens in a discussion about their rights and governance. Meanwhile, it has been noted that current President Michael Higgins, who has held the office since 2011, initially as a Labour representative before becoming independent in 2018, may find his position scrutinised amid this rising discourse around national sovereignty and public consultation on contentious policies.
However, the attention to McGregor’s commentary was met with criticism as well, particularly concerning his recent visit to the White House, which drew disapproval from an Irish rape crisis charity, demonstrating that not all aspects of his public persona resonate positively with various segments of the community.