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McGregor withdraws from Irish presidential race
Former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the race for the presidency of Ireland, calling the nomination process a "straitjacket" that prevents a truly democratic contest.
"After careful reflection and consultation with my family, I am withdrawing from this presidential race. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this time," he wrote on the X platform on Monday morning.
Although the presidency in Ireland is largely a symbolic post with a seven-year term, McGregor had promised to restrict immigration to protect "Irish culture" and give power "back to the people."
He hoped to use his huge influence on social media (he has over 10 million followers on X) as well as the support of Elon Musk and the indirect endorsement of Donald Trump to get on the ballot for the October 24 elections.
However, McGregor faced difficulties in securing the nomination, as the candidacy requires the support of at least 20 members of Parliament or four local authorities. He accused the process of being “rigged” in favour of candidates set by elites.
The 37-year-old had planned to address several local councils this week, but analysts had seen his chances of receiving official support as slim. McGregor said his campaign, although short, had highlighted the injustices in the constitutional rules for running. “This democratic deficit against the will of the Irish people has now been made visible through my public interest,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris criticized him last week, saying McGregor “represents the worst of our society.” Recent polls have shown low popular support for the former athlete, just 7% in one poll, as well as a lack of interest from lawmakers and local authorities.
However, McGregor described his campaign as a “catalyst” for a mobilisation against the elites and the mainstream media. “There is now a visible and vocal movement of Irish patriots who are seeking to preserve our way of life as Irish people – I salute them. The tide has turned and this tide cannot be stopped!” he declared.
McGregor remains a polarizing figure in Ireland; in July he lost an appeal over a civil judgment that awarded damages to a woman who had accused him of rape.
Among the well-known figures who also expressed interest in the presidency, but later withdrew, were dancer Michael Flatley and musician and activist Bob Geldof.
There are currently three official candidates in the race: Heather Humphreys, a former government minister and Fine Gael representative; Jim Gavin, a former coach of the Dublin Gaelic football team, backed by Fianna Fáil; and Catherine Connolly, an independent MP supported by smaller left-wing parties such as the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit. The main opposition party, Sinn Féin, has not yet decided whether to field its own candidate or support Connolly.
A weekend poll ranked Humphreys in first place with 22% support, Gavin second with 18% and Connolly in third place with 17%.
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