Conor McGregor Exits Irish Presidential Race, Slams Process as “Fixed”

McGregor, who was among several contenders expected to seek nominations from county councils on Monday, failed to secure the required support from at least 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities to qualify for the ballot.

In a statement posted on X, McGregor announced his withdrawal, stating, “After careful reflection and consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race. 

This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment. While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland remains unwavering. 

I will continue to serve my people by using my global platform to promote Irish interests abroad, strengthen economic opportunities, and advocate for transparency in public life at home.”

McGregor described his campaign as “sincere and genuine” and expressed gratitude for the support he received. 

However, he criticized Ireland’s “outdated constitution,” claiming it imposes a “straitjacket” on the nomination process, ensuring “only Establishment-approved candidates” can appear on the ballot. 

By Monday, McGregor had not received any formal endorsements from Oireachtas members or councils, making his nomination prospects slim.His candidacy was already mired in controversy. 

In 2024, the High Court ordered McGregor to pay €250,000 in damages to Nikita Hand after a jury found he assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in 2018, a ruling upheld on appeal. 

Tánaiste Simon Harris sharply criticized McGregor last week, stating, “Conor McGregor represents the very worst of us” and has a “negligible chance” of securing a nomination. 

Harris added, “McGregor is a person who has been found responsible for rape in a civil court in Ireland. 

That’s a fact.”Monday was a critical day in the nomination process, with 11 county councils holding meetings to consider candidates. An additional 13 councils are set to meet before the September 24 deadline. 

Fine Gael has nominated former minister Heather Humphreys, Fianna Fáil has selected former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin, and Independent TD Catherine Connolly is also in the race. 

Sinn Féin is expected to decide next week whether to field a candidate.McGregor’s exit narrows the field as the presidential race enters a decisive phase, with official nominations to be finalized in the coming weeks.