Opinion

Elaine Byrne: President Conor McGregor is not as unlikely as you might think

Peter Casey’s performance in the last presidential contest is a perfect case study of how utterly unpredictable elections for the first citizen have become

Conor McGregor: the MMA fighter and businessman believes the death penalty, which was last carried out in Ireland in 1954, should be reinstated. Picture: Getty

The inauguration of every Irish president occurs in St Patrick's Hall in Dublin Castle. The ceiling is adorned by a glorious painting of the Irish chieftains surrendering on bended knees to King Henry II.

The symbolism is that of submission, power, and usurpation – themes immediately recognised and understood by UFC fighters who compete in the octagon cage. Will Conor McGregor, who has stylised himself as the King of Ireland, sit on his throne in ...