Former UFC world champion Conor McGregor has pulled out of the race to become Ireland’s next president.
McGregor, found liable for sexual assault during a civil rape case last year, was hoping to replace current President Michael D. Higgins after the October 24 election.
However, he has struggled to meet the criteria required to be named on the ballot.
Highlights
- Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the Irish presidential race following difficulties meeting nomination criteria.
- McGregor, found liable for sexual assault last year, aimed to replace President Michael D. Higgins in October.
- His campaign focused on anti-immigration policies and opposition to the new EU migration pact.
- McGregor criticized nomination rules as a 'straitjacket,' claiming the election favors establishment candidates.
Conor McGregor has dropped his Irish presidential bid
Image credits: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgerald
Candidates must secure the backing of at least four out of 31 local authorities or 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament).
“Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,” McGregor wrote on X.
“This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time. While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here.”
The controversial fighter vowed that this would not be his last election and said he would canvass again in the future.
“This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey. I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity,” McGregor added.
“I will continue to serve my people on the global stage lobbying for Ireland’s best interest’s socially and economically – of that there is no doubt. This is a marathon. Not a sprint!”
Earlier this month, McGregor had urged his fans to contact their local county councillors and ask them to nominate him.
His campaign had largely focused on anti-immigration and opposed a new EU migration pact that would distribute asylum claims evenly across the bloc.
In his statement withdrawing from the race, McGregor described the nomination rules as a “straitjacket” and claimed it was not a true democratic process.
“Ireland has drastically changed in recent years, however, is constraint by the straitjacket of an outdated Constitution that is selectively upheld by the main Oireachtas parties, and exploited to prevent a true democratic Presidential election being contested, but rather fixed to ensure only Establishment approved candidates may be selected on the ballot,” he said.
McGregor’s campaign was largely focused on anti-immigration
Image credits: President of Ireland
McGregor, who hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2021, has allied himself with U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
He most recently met Trump at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day earlier this year, reportedly talking to the president about immigration in Ireland.
On September 8, Musk announced his support for McGregor’s run on X and claimed that Ireland's Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris was blocking him from running.
Harris last week said that McGregor “represents the very worst of us” and had “a negligible chance” of securing an election nomination for president.
Image credits: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
McGregor’s bid for the Irish presidency was met with criticism when he announced he was running, with recent polling showing he had as little as 7% support from voters.
Anyone over the age of 35 can seek to be nominated for Irish president, with it being a largely ceremonial role as head of state.
Ireland is governed by a parliamentary system, with executive power held by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the prime minister chosen from the elected parliament.