Dublin, Ireland Former UFC champion Conor McGregor, now eyeing Ireland’s presidency, has electrified his campaign with an unexpected proposal: a national Bitcoin reserve. The controversial figure, blending crypto advocacy with anti-establishment rhetoric, aims to decentralise Ireland’s financial power. But critics question whether his vision or his candidacy can survive mounting legal and political storms.
McGregor’s Presidential Gambit
Conor McGregor announced his independent presidential bid in March 2025, targeting crime reduction and stricter immigration. His platform gained traction after a high-profile White House visit, where U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed him. Yet domestic support remains shaky. A December 2023 poll showed only 8% backing, with many citing his legal troubles. McGregor’s campaign now hinges on Bitcoin. On May 9, he tweeted, “Crypto was founded to give power back to the people. An Irish Bitcoin reserve will empower our money.” The post, viewed over 735,000 times in 12 hours, frames Bitcoin as a tool against centralised financial systems. Still, experts doubt his odds. “Securing 20 parliamentary nominations? Impossible,” said Trinity College’s Professor Gail McElroy.
“Power to the People” or Political Gimmick?
McGregor’s proposal mirrors global trends but lacks specifics. He envisions Ireland mimicking El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption, even scheduling talks with President Nayib Bukele. Furthermore, he’s courting crypto heavyweights like Anthony Pompliano and Trump advisor David Bailey. “We need the greatest minds,” McGregor tweeted, promising an X Spaces discussion. Critics highlight gaps. How would Ireland fund the reserve? What scale? With no detailed plan, skeptics call it a publicity stunt. Moreover, Ireland’s EU membership complicates abandoning the euro. “Monetary policy isn’t a solo act,” warned economist Liam O’Connor. “Brussels won’t bend for Bitcoin.”
Scandals Threaten Campaign Credibility
McGregor’s bid battles more than policy hurdles. A civil sexual assault conviction (under appeal) and hate speech investigations loom large. Opponents label him “toxic,” while supporters argue he’s unfairly targeted. Either way, his past overshadows policy talks. “Character matters,” said Dublin voter Siobhan Murphy. “Would you trust him with the economy?” Others fear his crypto push distracts from Ireland’s housing crisis and healthcare shortages. Even UFC peers mock his ambitions. Hall-of-Famer Daniel Cormier called the run “ridiculous,” citing McGregor’s polarising persona.
The REAL Token Debacle
This isn’t McGregor’s first crypto rodeo. In April 2025, his REAL token project flopped, raising just $392,315 Not even half its $1 million goal. Investors were refunded, but trust eroded. “Celebrity coins crash; Bitcoin’s different,” argued crypto analyst Clara Nguyen. “But can voters tell the difference?” The failure fuels doubts. Critics note McGregor’s sudden pivot to Bitcoin after REAL’s collapse. “He’s chasing relevance,” tweeted finance blogger Evan O’Leary. “Bitcoin isn’t a meme coin; it needs a real strategy.”
Global Bitcoin Wave
McGregor’s idea taps a worldwide shift. The U.S., El Salvador, and Bhutan already hold Bitcoin reserves. Germany and Russia explore similar moves. Even U.S. states like New Hampshire embrace crypto, while Poland’s candidate Sławomir Mentzen pitches a Bitcoin hub. Yet risks abound. Bitcoin’s volatility trading at $105K in May 2025 spooks traditionalists. Switzerland recently rejected a reserve, fearing instability. “Ireland lacks infrastructure for this gamble,” said FinTech expert Niamh Kelly. “Without safeguards, it’s reckless.”
Public Verdict
Reactions split sharply. Crypto enthusiasts cheer McGregor’s ambition. “Ireland could lead Europe’s Bitcoin revolution,” tweeted investor Mark Duffy. Detractors dismiss it as “scammy,” citing his REAL failure. Mainstream Irish media remain wary, emphasising his legal issues over policy. Undeterred, McGregor plans his X Spaces event, promising “victory for Ireland.” Whether that victory includes Bitcoin or his presidency remains uncertain. But one thing’s clear: McGregor’s bid, however idealistic, has thrust cryptocurrency into Ireland’s political spotlight.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab C H
