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3w ago

Conor McGregor Withdraws From Irish Presidential Race

He cites nomination rules favoring establishment candidates, vowing to stay active in politics.

Irish professional mixed martial artist and businessman Conor McGregor speaks from the White House briefing room podium in Washington, DC, on March 17, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor announces he will not pursue the presidency of Ireland.
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Overview

  • McGregor announced his withdrawal on Sept. 15 in a post on X after saying he had consulted his family.
  • The decision came hours before he was due to seek local authority nominations from Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council to reach the ballot.
  • Irish law requires candidates to be nominated by at least 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities, a threshold he denounced as an outdated "straitjacket."
  • His bid drew little institutional support and about 7% in one poll, with reputational damage compounded by a civil court finding him liable for sexual assault and a failed appeal.
  • The Oct. 24 election now centers on confirmed candidates Heather Humphreys, Jim Gavin and Catherine Connolly, with Sinn Féin yet to declare its approach.