McGregor Proposes National Bitcoin Reserve for Ireland

Conor McGregor, the former UFC fighter and now independent presidential candidate in Ireland’s presidential election, has proposed the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve. This idea, presented on May 9, is aimed at bringing financial power back to the people of Ireland. McGregor tweeted on X, stating that "Crypto was initially devised to give power back to the people. An Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve will give power back to the people’s money." He also hinted at more announcements in an upcoming X Spaces session, which garnered quick reactions from the crypto industry.

McGregor’s tweet received immediate responses from prominent Bitcoin advocates. He directly engaged with Anthony Pompliano, host of The Pomp Podcast, inviting him to discuss the BTC Reserve. David Bailey, a crypto advisor, also reached out, and McGregor welcomed further dialogue. This engagement highlights the potential support and interest from key figures in the crypto community.

Despite the enthusiasm from some within the industry, McGregor’s suggestion faces significant challenges. Ireland has no history of hosting digital assets in national reserves, and his push lacks support from any prominent political party. Countries like the U.S., El Salvador, and Bhutan have already established Bitcoin reserves, typically with extensive government infrastructure and legal reform. McGregor entered the presidential race in March 2025, focusing on anti-immigration and anti-crime platforms. The election must be held by November 11, 2025, at the latest.

McGregor’s proposal is complicated by his past legal troubles, including a civil sexual assault judgment and previous hate speech investigations. Additionally, his cryptocurrency reputation was damaged in April when the McGregor-supported “REAL” token project failed, raising only $392,315 in a presale—far less than its $1 million target, with full refunds given to investors. These issues could impact public perception and support for his presidential bid and Bitcoin reserve proposal.

McGregor’s proposal to create a national Bitcoin reserve is a bold and innovative move. It reflects his understanding of the potential of digital currencies and his willingness to challenge traditional financial norms. As Ireland prepares for the presidential election, McGregor's proposal will undoubtedly be a key topic of discussion, shaping the debate around the country's economic future. The idea of leveraging Bitcoin to give more power back to the people aligns with the decentralized nature of the cryptocurrency, potentially offering stability and security in the face of traditional financial market volatility. However, the regulatory and security implications, along with McGregor’s past controversies, present significant hurdles that must be addressed for this proposal to gain traction.