Conor McGregor president bid ends abruptly
Conor McGregor president hopes have officially come to an end after the mixed martial arts fighter confirmed he will not pursue candidacy in Ireland’s upcoming presidential election. His announcement on Monday arrived hours before scheduled council meetings in Dublin and Kildare, where he had been seeking nominations to enter the race.
In a social media post, the 37-year-old former UFC champion said the decision followed “careful reflection” and consultations with his family. McGregor admitted that the choice was difficult but ultimately the “right one at this moment in time.”
McGregor cites election barriers
To qualify, candidates must be Irish citizens aged 35 or older and secure endorsements from either 20 parliamentarians or at least four of Ireland’s 31 local authorities. McGregor described these requirements as a “straitjacket” preventing what he called a truly democratic presidential contest.
The fighter, who last competed professionally in July 2021, said he was “truly humbled” by the support and encouragement he received since declaring his intention to run last year. However, without formal backing, his campaign effectively ended before it could properly begin.
Read Also
Legal and political backdrop
McGregor’s withdrawal comes against a backdrop of legal troubles. In 2024, he lost a civil appeal over a finding that he had sexually assaulted Nikita Hand in 2018, a claim he denied. A jury ordered him to pay £206,000 in damages plus costs. The controversy may have added to the challenges he faced in convincing political bodies to endorse him.
Who remains in Ireland’s presidential race
While the Conor McGregor president campaign is over, three candidates have secured places on the ballot for the October 24 election. Independent Catherine Connolly has gained support from Labour, the Social Democrats, and People Before Profit. Jim Gavin, the former Dublin GAA manager, is representing Fianna Fáil, the largest party in parliament led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Heather Humphreys is standing for Fine Gael, the centre-right coalition partner in government.
Prospective candidates have until September 24 to secure the required nominations. For now, the race is shaping into a contest between established political figures and independents with strong parliamentary backing.
Ireland reacts to McGregor’s decision
McGregor’s withdrawal drew mixed reactions. Some supporters expressed disappointment, saying his candidacy could have shaken up Ireland’s political establishment. Others argued that his lack of political experience and legal controversies made him an unsuitable figure for the presidency.
His exit underlines the difficulty non-traditional candidates face in navigating Ireland’s political system. Despite his celebrity status, McGregor’s campaign illustrates that rules designed to safeguard the presidency remain formidable barriers for outsiders.
As Ireland heads toward election day, the conversation has shifted from celebrity bids to the credibility of candidates who remain. For McGregor, the announcement marks the end of a high-profile but short-lived political chapter, while his country prepares for a decisive vote in October.
