Conor McGregor’s Presidential Bid: A Bitcoin Reserve for Ireland?

   Former UFC champion and Irish presidential candidate Conor McGregor has ignited a debate by proposing the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve. This bold move, announced on X (formerly Twitter), aims to “give power back to the people,” according to McGregor.

“Crypto, in its origin, was founded to give power back to the people. An Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve will give power to the people’s money,” McGregor tweeted on May 9th.

His announcement immediately sparked reactions from major figures in the Bitcoin community, including Anthony Pompliano and David Bailey, a crypto advisor to former US President Donald Trump. McGregor invited them to discuss the proposal further.

McGregor’s presidential campaign, launched in March 2025, focuses on anti-immigration policies and crime reduction. The Bitcoin reserve proposal adds a unique and controversial element to his platform, given the limited number of countries with similar initiatives.

The feasibility of establishing a Bitcoin reserve, particularly for a relatively smaller, independent nation, presents significant challenges. While regulatory landscapes are evolving, few countries, including El Salvador and Bhutan, have successfully implemented such reserves.

McGregor’s recent visit to the White House, where he met with Donald Trump, garnered significant media attention. However, his campaign has also faced criticism, notably following a recent sexual assault conviction (currently under appeal).

This Bitcoin proposal follows the less successful launch of McGregor’s REAL project, a cryptocurrency venture that failed to reach its funding goal.

With Ireland’s presidential election looming before November 11, 2025, McGregor’s Bitcoin initiative adds an unpredictable layer to the race and raises significant questions about its economic and political viability.