JUST when you thought the world could not get any madder, or more depressing, mutterings emanating from the cesspit formerly known as Twitter, now X, suggest that a new Presidential candidate may be emerging. Yes, it appears that the man who did more to whip up a frenzy online ahead of the Dublin Riots on November 23 has deemed the role of statesman one of which he is worthy.
Conor McGregor, who is known for (checks notes) UFC fighting, whiskey selling, violent behaviour and general loud-mouthedness is seeking the honour of becoming Ireland’s next President.
In a string of tweets, the fighter appeared to launch his campaign, boasting about his youth, his lack of political affiliation and his intention to revamp Ireland’s immigration system. The third topic it appears will power his crusade. McGregor points to ‘a real lapse in national security’ in Ireland and the need to form a task force to assess all entrants into Ireland. On what evidence this is based is unclear.
If his implication is that migrants are increasingly responsible for crime, then he should probably open a newspaper once in a while to remind himself of the fact that Irish people are perfectly capable of being criminals all on their own.
McGregor also appears ignorant to the fact that all refugees are already registered and screened at immigration.
Mixed response
ALONGSIDE throwing some of his spare change to soup kitchens – a cynical move, which of course, has been lauded – McGregor has also announced his intention to hold weekly votes to hold the Government to account. Someone should really send this man a copy of the Constitution for Christmas and demand an explanation for how he expects the Irish people to fund and submit to a public vote every single week.
A series of vox pops conducted recently by the Irish Examiner demonstrated a mixed response to the prospect of McGregor as President, with some vehemently rejecting the idea of the UFC star as a statesman. But others suggested he has much to offer and would make a refreshing change. “The Government is doing nothing for us, the ordinary person,” said one. “Most people have nothing, and the likes of Conor McGregor is using his voice for the Irish people and showing them that he speaks up for them. He’ll help the ones who are down. He doesn’t need the backing of the State. He will do more for this country. He is strong willed and good for the country.”
Rhetoric like this shows not only a fundamental misunderstanding of Conor McGregor’s motivations, but also of the role of the Presidency, a role McGregor also appears to think would be his to decide. It is not up to the President to do things for the ordinary person, nor to speak up for them. It is primarily a ceremonial role and does not allow for interference in how the country is run. Our current President, Michael D Higgins has had his knuckles rapped more than once for deviating from the diplomatic line, and it has even been suggested that this has emboldened the likes of McGregor.
“I think he should be given a chance,” said another. “He is very good to his family and his parents. He is a good ambassador for Ireland, and we should give him a go.”
It is hard to fathom how McGregor’s violent outbursts could be seen as positive ambassadorship anywhere, but these are the times in which we live.
Change needed
HOWEVER, these types of responses also demonstrate that there is a certain cohort of people that feel disenfranchised, unrepresented, frustrated and want political change. Young people in particular, who find themselves in a position where they are unable to access housing and basic services and for whom the cost of living is becoming prohibitive. People whose communities have been starved during austerity, and who are completely alienated from the current system.
McGregor says it himself: “The real nation of Ireland is fed up with you people inside that Dáil and change is coming, change is coming for the benefit of Ireland, for the progression of Ireland. We have had enough and it is time our nation stands up.” McGregor’s support of selected charities, of working class communities and his apparent family values also resonate strongly.
The type of change they are seeking, however, will not be found in a Presidential election. It is unlikely that Conor McGregor will truly put his money where his mouth is and run for a general election, because that would involve having to do some real work.
But the need for a new type of politics, one that does not leave people behind, is very clear. In the absence of this, we will see more riots, more disenfranchisement, more racism and more self-serving behaviour like McGregor’s.
You would hope that a man with very obvious anger management issues who has been accused of multiple violent assaults in recent years, including against several women (mostly of sexual assault), an elderly man, and eh, a bus, would be immediately rejected by the Irish electorate, who have increasingly shown themselves to be considered and compassionate voters, capable of rewarding intelligence, both emotional and otherwise.
But in the current climate, who knows?
OPINION: Punching above his weight
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21.12.2023
JUST when you thought the world could not get any madder, or more depressing, mutterings emanating from the cesspit formerly known as Twitter, now X, suggest that a new Presidential candidate may be emerging. Yes, it appears that the man who did more to whip up a frenzy online ahead of the Dublin Riots on November 23 has deemed the role of statesman one of which he is worthy.
Conor McGregor, who is known for (checks notes) UFC fighting, whiskey selling, violent behaviour and general loud-mouthedness is seeking the honour of becoming Ireland’s next President.
In a string of tweets, the fighter appeared to launch his campaign, boasting about his youth, his lack of political affiliation and his intention to revamp Ireland’s immigration system. The third topic it appears will power his crusade. McGregor points to ‘a real lapse in national security’ in Ireland and the need to form a task force to assess all entrants into Ireland. On what evidence this is based is unclear.
If his implication is that migrants are increasingly responsible for crime, then he should probably open a newspaper once in a while to remind himself of the fact that Irish people are perfectly capable of being criminals all on their own.
McGregor also appears ignorant to the fact that all refugees are........
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