Conor McGregor Proposes Bitcoin Reserve for Ireland
1min read Ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor has proposed that Ireland establish a national reserve of Bitcoin. In a message posted on X on May 9, 2025, McGregor argued that such a reserve would empower the people by giving them control over their money. He is running for the presidency as an independent candidate and aims to shift focus towards crypto policy.
McGregor's proposal involves creating a strategic reserve of Bitcoin for Ireland. He did not specify the source of funding or the cost involved, but he emphasized that a Bitcoin reserve would return power to the common citizens. He highlighted that the origin of crypto was to give power back to the people, aligning with the principles of Bitcoin and decentralization.
McGregor has reached out to crypto leaders for collaboration. He invited Anthony Pompliano, host of The Pomp Podcast, and David Bailey, a crypto expert who consulted former US President Donald Trump, to provide feedback and ideas. McGregor plans to host an X Spaces session to discuss and develop his proposal further.
Establishing a Bitcoin reserve in Ireland would face significant political and legal challenges. The next presidential election is scheduled for November 11, 2025, and any initiative would require support from lawmakers and the central bank. Ireland's membership in the European Union means its monetary policy is tied to the euro, making it difficult for an independent candidate to gain traction for this idea.
McGregor's presidential bid is further complicated by ongoing legal issues. He is contesting a civil court decision that found him guilty of sexual assault and has been investigated for hate speech. These legal challenges could impact his credibility with voters.
McGregor's experience in crypto projects has been mixed. In early April 2025, the Real World Gaming team conducted a 28-hour presale of a token named REAL, aiming to raise at least $1 million. However, they only raised around $392,300 and refunded all buyers, illustrating the challenges of gaining support even with a celebrity endorsement.
McGregor has announced that he will reveal more details about his X Spaces session in the coming days. It remains to be seen how many experts will accept his invitation. Governments that have established Bitcoin reserves, such as the US, el Salvador, and Bhutan, have done so through high-level government actions. A grassroots initiative by a single candidate would be unprecedented in Ireland.
Voters will ultimately decide whether they want a fighter-turned-politician handling complex financial policy. For now, McGregor's plan is in the early stages and awaits testing in the political arena.
