DUBLIN (BN24) — Former mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor announced Monday that he is dropping out of Ireland’s presidential race, ending months of speculation about his political ambitions just as he was due to seek crucial council nominations.
The 37-year-old fighter, who once vowed to become president of Ireland, said in a statement on social media that his decision came “following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family.” His withdrawal was announced hours before he was scheduled to address Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council, where he had hoped to secure the endorsements necessary to appear on the October ballot.
McGregor Cites Barriers to Candidacy
McGregor, who has not competed professionally since July 2021, acknowledged the decision was not easy but described it as the right one. He expressed gratitude for the “support and encouragement” he received from the public but criticized Ireland’s eligibility rules, calling them a “straitjacket” that prevents “a true democratic presidential election being contested.”
Under Irish law, presidential hopefuls must be Irish citizens at least 35 years old and must secure endorsements from at least 20 members of parliament or four of the country’s 31 local authorities. So far, three candidates have secured the necessary backing: Independent Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fáil nominee Jim Gavin, and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.
Sinn Féin, Ireland’s main opposition party, has yet to declare whether it will field a candidate, with an announcement expected on September 20. Candidates have until September 24 to qualify for the ballot ahead of the October 24 vote.
Seriousness of Campaign Questioned
Despite McGregor’s vast following on social media, where he frequently promoted his presidential bid and urged supporters to lobby councillors on his behalf, many political observers doubted his seriousness. He declined opportunities to speak at early council hearings where potential candidates presented their cases, raising further questions about whether he intended to fully commit to the race.
McGregor’s name was listed among prospective candidates due to appear before Dublin and Kildare councils on Monday, but his withdrawal preempted any direct questioning from councillors.
Legal Challenges and Public Criticism
The former UFC champion’s candidacy faced widespread skepticism from Ireland’s political class, with many lawmakers declaring him unfit for office. Earlier this year, McGregor lost a civil jury appeal related to a sexual assault case dating back to 2018. A Dublin woman, Nikita Hand, accused him of raping her in a hotel, a claim he denied. In November 2024, she won her civil case and McGregor was ordered to pay £206,000 in damages plus costs.
The legal controversy, coupled with his absence from formal campaign forums, left analysts doubting whether he could have secured the nominations required to advance in the race.
Presidential Field Takes Shape
With McGregor’s exit, the presidential contest is now focused on the three confirmed candidates:
- Catherine Connolly, an independent backed by Labour, the Social Democrats, and People Before Profit.
- Jim Gavin, nominated by Fianna Fáil, Ireland’s largest parliamentary party led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
- Heather Humphreys, representing Fine Gael, a center-right party governing in coalition with Fianna Fáil.
The election will determine the successor to President Michael D. Higgins, who has served since 2011 and is constitutionally barred from seeking another term.
