The quiet hum of Monaghan Town was electrified as UFC superstar and business mogul Conor McGregor made an unannounced, whirlwind visit, stirring up a flurry of excitement and political speculation.
Known globally for his fighting prowess and flamboyant persona, McGregor’s appearance wasn’t for a fight night, but rather to kickstart a surprising and ambitious political endeavor: a bid for the Irish presidency.
McGregor’s visit, confirmed exclusively to Northern Sound, wasn’t merely a casual stroll through the town.
He was actively campaigning, making direct appeals to local council members and TDs for their crucial support to secure a nomination for the upcoming October 24th ballot.
A Political Blitz Through Monaghan
The “Notorious” one embarked on a focused tour, stopping at several local establishments, chatting with business owners, and notably dropping into the office of Deputy David Maxwell.
While Deputy Maxwell, a Fine Gael TD, affirmed his policy of an open-door for all constituents and listened attentively to McGregor’s pitch, he made it clear that his support in the presidential race remained firmly with Heather Humphreys.
This direct encounter highlights the uphill battle McGregor faces in convincing established political figures.
“I am here to rally the people, show support here in the flesh and I’m looking for a nomination to be on the ballot for the presidency of Ireland from Monaghan County Council, this is the beginning of it, we have sent some emails out and we’ve been in correspondence with some councillors, some TD’s, and here we are in the flesh,” McGregor stated, detailing the initial steps of his grassroots campaign. He exuded confidence regarding the reception he received: “I am getting a lot of support. My points are resonating with a lot of people, and it’s important we get this message out.”
Local Stops and Generous Gestures
Beyond the political discussions, McGregor took time to connect with the local community, making a memorable impression wherever he went.
“It’s great to be here in Monaghan, seeing some great business people,” he recounted. “I was at a butcher’s, I visited the Shambles bar, I called into Macho Man and bought myself a nice new T-shirt.”
A particular highlight of his visit was reported at the Shambles Bar, where the self-proclaimed billionaire demonstrated his famous generosity by purchasing a round of drinks for everyone present – a gesture that no doubt cemented his popularity amongst the local patrons.
The McGregor Manifesto: Power to the People
When pressed on his motivations for seeking the highest office in Ireland, McGregor articulated a vision centered on decentralizing power and empowering local communities.
“My reasoning for running for President of Ireland is to return the power to the people, as per our founding proclamation in 1922,” he asserted.
His platform emphasizes strengthening local governance: “I wish to see more power given to the local councils around Ireland so they can decide the outcome of their own communities. How I see it is when I look around the state of Ireland and its communities, many are in a dire state, many are overrun, many councils have their hands tied and cannot act to save their people and their land, and I wish to return that power also. I will use my influence as the head of State to bring in these laws to enact these motions, to make this happen.”
McGregor’s urgency stems from a deep concern for the nation’s future. “I’m running and why I’m pressing forward in an urgent manner is because if there are seven more years of zero resistance, then where we are today will be considered heaven, because where we are going is not pretty.”
He minced no words in his assessment of current political structures: “My vantage point, and many feel the same way around our country, is that the councillors inside the Councils work tirelessly and go above and beyond in comparison to those in Leinster House.
It is of my belief that those in the council should, in fact, be in the house, and those currently in the house should be in the bin.
And that is my will to bring power back, and to give power to the local councils so they can decide the outcomes of their communities as it should be, versus a government that is controlled and run by a foreign entity abroad.”
A Fighter’s Resolve, A Family Man’s Vision
Looking ahead, McGregor detailed his strategy for gaining the necessary nominations. “I will go around to the councils, and I appreciate and applaud many councillors that have reached out already and we will begin to, we will continue to engage in discussion, and I will put forth my address on record in the public House of where I see Ireland. What I wish to see for Ireland, and my abilities.”
He proudly highlighted his achievements and connections: “I’m a five time world champion and I have a very strong relationship with the United States administration. I am a father of four beautiful children.
I’m a family man. I’ve supported communities the length and breadth of Ireland. I am an employer of almost 300 people in the land of Ireland. That is who I am as a man. I am presenting myself forward in the flesh, and I will give my address to the councils that wish to hear me out, whether they are for or against. And you know, my wish is for a democratic process to play out.”
Addressing inevitable questions about his past and suitability as a role model, McGregor remained candid. “Listen, for sure, I’m an imperfect man. I am not a politician. I’m a fighter, through and through, and I’m an Irishman, through and through. I’m proud of my nation. My nation has been good to me, and I find it my duty to stand up on his behalf, and that is it. I am a good man and those who know me know this, and those who meet me will also know this. If you care to believe in a pay to propaganda media arm by the government, it is incorrect. So I am a proud Irish man. I am imperfect, but I will tell you the truth, and I will stand behind my country, men and women, all day, every day.”
McGregor’s foray into presidential politics promises to be anything but dull.
His unexpected visit to Monaghan marks the beginning of what could be one of Ireland’s most unconventional and talked-about political campaigns. The question now remains: will this fighting spirit translate into a successful bid for Áras an Uachtaráin? Only time, and the support of Ireland’s local councils, will tell.
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