X/@TheNotoriousMMA
The photo shows the former UFC champion dressed in green while embracing his daughter. This photo’s timestamp indicates the same day Conor shared the image on social media along with a caption that loosely translates in English as “My Heart! There’s no way I’m doing this without everything I’ve got, heart and soul. This is me. Ireland. This is me.” Both of them are a picture of love in the photo. As with Croía, Conor is also dressed in green. When personal photos such as this circulate, Conor also makes the news for possible political ambitions and other public appearances.
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The post written in Irish Gaelic on social media sparked mixed reactions from the audience. One faction of his followers who speak Irish praised McGregor for using the language. They also liked his daring use of footballer-influenced Irish slang. However, non-Irish speaking users commented on his behavior and questioned his knowledge of the Irish language. This plethora of remarks perfectly shows the polarizing opinions about McGregor in the public, especially when there are rumors about his presidential run in Ireland.
The photo showcases McGregor’s family, but the caption brings it to light in a political context. The caption that reads about McGregor putting “heart and soul” into something is deeply and personally tied to commitment to a cause, especially considering recent events. The words “I am Ireland” align well with the political and nationalist attention McGregor has been receiving. From what we can see, this photo is much more than a family picture; it is a declaration of “who he is” and his mission as he attempts to embody Irish values and politics.
The user responses varied widely, encompassing several stylistic extremes. In the category of kinder responses, one user expressed, “Family above all. God above everyone,” which demonstrates the positive and warm feeling that user and many others have toward McGregor’s family-oriented public statement. Another McGregor supporter remarked, “Bring family values back to Ireland!! Vote Conor McGregor for president!!,” implying that the person believes McGregor’s family values and political aspirations are inseparable.
On the flip side, some of the negative feedback questioned McGregor’s command of the Irish language. One comment bluntly stated, “You should have consulted a fluent Irish speaker before trying to post something in Irish mate!” Such remarks illustrate the level of scrutiny public figures face, especially in relation to culture. Even worse, some of the more serious remarks alluded to earlier allegations against McGregor, further proving how his troubled past continues to haunt his private life.
The comments’ tone suggested a political agenda. One comment was explicit about the policies: “Conor, if elected, will you call a referendum to ammend the constitution re-asserting the right of the people of Ireland to all 32 counties.” The comment presumes, and most likely wrongly, that McGregor is not actively pursuing political candidacy and is baselessly assuming his formal entry into politics.
Mo Croí! ❤️
Croía Máiréad Ní Gréagóir 🥰
Níl aon slí nach bhfuil mé cun dhean é seo le gach rud i mo Croí agus mo anam. 🙏
Tá sé seo mise. ☘️
Is Mise Éire. 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/EjpcsiBC7v
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 27, 2025
Other remarks were connected to the discussion that McGregor initiated a few days ago about Irish nationality and immigration. “We have to take back our home for our daughters bro, we can’t be erased like this,” said one commenter, which is pointing to the extreme nationalist rhetoric of McGregor. Another commenter said, “Ireland for the Irish,” but added “(brown guy here)” immediately afterward, a telling response to the serious issues spawned from this debate.
The Mixed Martial Arts sports community has also expressed their awareness about McGregor’s other main occupation. There have been a lot of questions about his fighting return and one of the most unique comments was that no other kid in the world had that problem as long as McGregor’s was. The strong image he delivers in the photo is in considerable contrast with the solemn reminder of his most recent fighting records.
Even the tender moment did not escape criticism, in which case someone said “My man even hugs like a mma fighter, look at the hand grip.” The mention of the MMA fighter’s hand grip in addition to the embrace provides us a vivid image in which every single aspect of McGregor’s public persona is analyzed and critiqued through the lens of his fighting career.
Having all the political issues in recent times, the McGregor Family photo appears oddly out of context. McGregor’s family photo was shared on his social media as if to advertise his Irish campaign for political office; however, politicians don’t generally share family photos. McGregor’s post in Irish Gaelic was shocking because it not only uncovered his lack of sympathy for the Irish public but also a very sinister manipulation of nationalist feelings.
Again, the reactions that have been shared hint at the kind of issues that he will have to face if he tries to get a seat in public office. He does seem to have some degree of support, but as the pictures illustrate, the amount of negative feedback that comes with his previous wrongdoings and the seemingly fake nature of taking up public office are stronger, which means that it can get very bad if he chooses to go for it.
From my point of view, McGregor looks like he is trying to juggle between two identities: that of a family man and that of a fighting personality. The photo shows a somewhat softer and family-focused side of McGregor, but the public only know that side of him that is an aggressive fighter. This contradiction has always been a peculiar aspect of his persona but now that he is eyeing public office, it adds another dimension to it. How well he can juggle these aspects of his life will probably determine the fate of his political career.
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As shown, McGregor’s audience is engaging with him as if he were a political figure. They are discussing issues about identity, policy, and national future as opposed to fights. It’s not clear if this will turn into political votes, but the debates have started. In McGregor’s case, the debates have turned into political issues, and this private moment with his daughter further adds to the public figure narrative.