Conor McGregor Proposes National Bitcoin Reserve for Ireland

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who is now running for the Irish presidency, has proposed the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve as part of his campaign platform. McGregor, who announced his independent candidacy in late March 2025, has centered his campaign on anti-immigration policies and combating crime. His proposal for a Bitcoin reserve aims to give more power back to the people by leveraging the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency.

McGregor took to X on May 9 to share his vision, stating, “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.” This announcement sparked responses from prominent figures in the Bitcoin industry, including Anthony Pompliano, host of The Pomp Podcast, and David Bailey, a crypto advisor to former US President Donald Trump. McGregor invited these individuals to discuss their ideas further, indicating his seriousness about the proposal.

The establishment of a Bitcoin reserve is a complex endeavor, especially for a minor, independent party. To date, only a few countries, including the US, El Salvador, and Bhutan, have successfully implemented such reserves. McGregor's political visibility has recently been boosted by a trip to the White House, where he met with Trump and received his support. However, McGregor faces significant scrutiny in Ireland, having been found guilty of sexual assault in a civil case, a conviction he has since appealed, and previously being investigated for hate speech crimes.

McGregor's push for a Bitcoin reserve comes after the failure of his previous crypto endeavor, the McGregor-backed REAL project. The project, led by Real World Gaming, failed to attract sufficient funding during its token launch pre-sale, raising only $392,315 over a 28-hour period, far short of the $1 million minimum requirement. This setback highlights the challenges McGregor may face in implementing his Bitcoin reserve proposal.

Despite these challenges, McGregor's proposal to create a national Bitcoin reserve is a bold move that could potentially reshape Ireland's financial landscape. By leveraging the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency, McGregor aims to give more power back to the people, aligning with the original vision of crypto. However, the success of this proposal will depend on McGregor's ability to navigate the complex regulatory environment and gain the support of the Irish people.