David Edwards
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor, now an independent candidate in Ireland’s 2025 presidential race, has announced support for establishing a national Bitcoin reserve, positioning it as a cornerstone of his campaign to “give power back to the people.”
McGregor highlighted the philosophical foundations of cryptocurrencies in a May 9 post on X, writing, “Crypto in its origin was founded to give power back to the people.” Money belonging to the people will have power thanks to an Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve. Prominent Bitcoin supporters like Anthony Pompliano and David Bailey were immediately intrigued by the notion, and McGregor invited them to talk about possible cooperation in a future online forum.
Declared in late March, McGregor’s candidacy is based on a populist platform that takes strong positions on crime and immigration. His recent White House encounter with former US President Donald Trump garnered media attention and further legitimized his campaign in some quarters. He has also used his international celebrity status to boost his political aspirations.
McGregor’s advocacy for a Bitcoin reserve, however, coincides with a period of political momentum and reputational risk. His past under investigation for hate speech in Ireland and his present appeal of a civil conviction for sexual assault could have a big impact on how the public and institutions react to his economic recommendations.
Given McGregor’s independence and the absence of precedence in Ireland, the viability of a Bitcoin reserve is still up in the air. Only a small number of countries, frequently in very different political and legal contexts, have made significant progress toward national Bitcoin reserves, including the US, Bhutan, and El Salvador.
The recent failure of the REAL token project, which McGregor supported, further complicates his aspirations in the cryptocurrency space. In an April presale, Real World Gaming’s initiative only raised $392,315 before offering complete refunds, falling short of its $1 million minimum financing target.
Notwithstanding the obstacles, McGregor’s Bitcoin proposal fits with the expanding global narrative about the incorporation of digital currencies into state budgetary plans. Ahead of the presidential election, which is set for November 11, 2025, it is unclear if this discourse would gain electoral traction in Ireland.
