Conor McGregor, renowned UFC champion, is calling on Ireland to establish a national Bitcoin reserve. On May 10, 2025, McGregor used his social media platforms to advocate for the adoption of a strategic Bitcoin reserve by the Irish government. He highlighted the potential of cryptocurrency to empower individuals and encouraged public dialogue by announcing a co-hosted Twitter Space discussion.
The immediate market reaction to McGregor’s endorsement was significant: Bitcoin trading volume surged 18% on Binance, and the asset’s value rose by 3.2%. Notably, MicroStrategy stock also experienced a pre-market uptick, reflecting wider optimism around institutional Bitcoin exposure.
Despite the market excitement and high-profile support, the Irish government has not issued an official response or made any policy announcements regarding the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve. Analysts emphasize that McGregor’s advocacy primarily enhances Bitcoin’s visibility and encourages public debate, rather than signaling imminent regulatory shifts in Ireland. However, the level of engagement prompted by influential figures like McGregor could influence future government considerations regarding state-level crypto adoption.
Community and Industry Voices: Other respected figures in the crypto space, such as Anthony Pompliano, praised McGregor's move, further amplifying the conversation. This trend reflects a growing interest in the idea of countries holding Bitcoin as a reserve asset, aligned with similar discussions happening in the US and elsewhere. Nevertheless, critics maintain concerns about Bitcoin's volatility and relative maturity for such a role.
