Elon Musk bizarrely slates Simon Harris in tweet backing Conor McGregor for President

Elon Musk has sparked backlash after weighing in on Irish politics, posting a tweet in support of Conor McGregor’s bid for the presidency.

In a post on his own X platform, the billionaire wrote: “Shame on Simon Harris for tyrannically blocking the will of the people of Ireland! Conor McGregor for President to save Ireland.”

His intervention came after reports that Tánaiste Simon Harris urged Fine Gael councillors not to back independent candidates for the presidency. Candidates can only secure a place on the ballot with the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

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Musk’s comments have been branded bizarre by some observers, given his lack of connection to Irish politics. It follows growing controversy around McGregor’s push to be nominated for the Áras.

Last week, the former MMA fighter appeared outside Government Buildings in Dublin, recording a video where he set out his vision for the presidency. In it, McGregor claimed the Government had “cost us our peace of mind, our security, our hope for the future, and the general wellbeing of Irish citizens nationwide has decreased dramatically.”

He accused the Government of failing to tackle homelessness, saying: “We have seen homelessness of Irish children risen to levels unprecedented, proving this government's refusal to abide by and respect our proclamation where all children of Ireland are to be cherished. Instead, our children abandoned.”

McGregor also railed against immigration and alleged a decline in tourism and safety across Ireland. He promised that if elected, he would be “a president face-to-face with only one priority, to ensure that the country our founding fathers gave their life for is strictly adhered to on behalf of its citizens.”

In the caption to his video, McGregor urged councillors to defy party orders and nominate him: “If you are a councillor who feels your voice is ignored, your hands tied, and your community overlooked, then I ask you to stand with me. Nominate me, and I will give you the platform and power to be truly heard.”

Despite his campaigning, no council has yet endorsed McGregor or any other candidate.

The involvement of one of the world’s most high-profile tech billionaires in McGregor’s campaign adds yet another twist to an already unconventional presidential race.