Conor McGregor Pushes for Irish Bitcoin Reserve Amid Political Campaign

David Bailey, a crypto advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, engaged with the proposal, prompting McGregor to respond enthusiastically and invite further discussion: “David, message me—let’s discuss your ideas!”

McGregor’s proposal, while unconventional in Irish politics, is not without precedent globally. El Salvador famously became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 and has since continued to accumulate BTC in its sovereign reserves. Bhutan has also disclosed strategic Bitcoin holdings, and speculation has grown around similar moves by countries such as Venezuela, the UAE, and even Switzerland. In April, Texas advanced a bill to create a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” for the state treasury, marking another step in Bitcoin’s evolution as a macroeconomic asset. New Hampshire became the first U.S. state to formally launch a Bitcoin treasury reserve, signaling growing momentum for digital asset adoption at the state level.

Ireland, however, has traditionally taken a cautious regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies. While the Central Bank of Ireland has licensed several Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under AML rules, it has voiced skepticism about retail crypto adoption and remains tightly aligned with broader European Union policy. The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, set to take effect across the EU in 2025, will create a unified framework for digital asset regulation, but it does not address sovereign holdings of cryptocurrencies by governments themselves.

McGregor announced his intent to run for president of Ireland in March 2025, branding himself an independent outsider with strong nationalist views. His political platform includes controversial stances on immigration, EU membership, and crime. During a high-profile St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House, McGregor received support from the U.S. President Donald Trump and called for Ireland to “take control of its own destiny.” The proposed Bitcoin reserve, framed as an economic sovereignty initiative, fits within this broader narrative of reclaiming Irish independence, both politically and financially. According to McGregor, Bitcoin offers a hedge against inflation, Eurozone instability, and centralized financial control.

Still, critics have raised significant concerns. Financial experts note that implementing a Bitcoin reserve would require changes to Ireland’s fiscal policy, coordination with EU authorities, and potentially conflict with European Central Bank (ECB) mandates.

This isn’t McGregor’s first foray into the world of crypto. In early 2025, he attempted to launch a memecoin called “REAL” designed to capitalize on his celebrity brand. The token, however, failed to meet its $1 million fundraising goal, raising just under $400,000 before issuing full refunds. That shortfall hasn’t deterred McGregor, who remains bullish on Bitcoin as a long-term economic solution.

Despite the bold rhetoric, McGregor’s political campaign faces substantial hurdles. Ireland’s presidency, while largely ceremonial, still demands a high level of public trust and integrity, something that critics argue the fighter-turned-celebrity lacks. McGregor is currently appealing a civil court ruling related to a personal legal matter. While the case did not lead to any formal prosecution, it has drawn public attention and added complexity to his political ambitions.

Nevertheless, his candidacy has ignited debate around the future of Irish politics and whether public figures from non-traditional backgrounds can drive change in areas like digital finance, monetary reform, and technological innovation.

Ireland’s next presidential election is expected no later than November 11, 2025. McGregor will need to secure at least 20 signatures from Oireachtas (parliamentary) members or four county councils to formally enter the race. Polling data remains sparse, though social media metrics show McGregor with significant youth support and engagement among crypto-curious voters.

Should his campaign gain traction, Ireland could become the latest arena in the ongoing global contest over Bitcoin’s place in government policy. For now, McGregor is doubling down on his message: Bitcoin is not just a digital currency, it’s a political statement.