Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor announced Monday that he was pulling out of Ireland’s presidential election, saying his “commitment to Ireland does not end here.”
Nicknamed “The Notorious,” McGregor has been a leading voice in Ireland’s anti-immigration movement and was hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House in March during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The 36-year-old fighter has faced major controversies, including a civil rape conviction last November and an ongoing US federal lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman in Miami in June 2023.
“Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,” McGregor wrote on X.
In a lengthy statement, he blasted Ireland’s electoral law, which requires candidates to secure the endorsement of at least 20 members of parliament or four local government authorities. He described the rule as a “democratic deficit against the will of the Irish people,” particularly targeting what he called the “‘forgotten Irish’ who feel abandoned and ignored by Establishment woke politics.”
McGregor claimed a “visible and vocal movement of Irish Patriots” is rising to “protect our way of life,” insisting that “this tide cannot be held back.”
The October 24 election will decide the successor to President Michael D. Higgins, who has served since 2011.
So far, three candidates are confirmed: left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin, and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys — the latter two representing parties in the ruling coalition.
Sinn Féin, the largest opposition party, will decide by September 20 whether to field its own candidate or back Connolly, who is already supported by several smaller leftist parties.
The deadline for endorsements is September 24, with several independents still vying for backing. Prominent figures like musician Bob Geldof and “Riverdance” star Michael Flatley had earlier shown interest but have since dropped out.
What You Should Know
Conor McGregor, Ireland’s most famous MMA fighter and a polarizing political figure, has ended his presidential bid, citing electoral law hurdles.
His withdrawal leaves the field open for established political candidates ahead of the October 24 election to replace outgoing President Michael D. Higgins.
