Former UFC Champion Abandons Bid for Áras an Uachtaráin Following Family Consultation, Blames ‘Outdated’ Constitutional Rules
Former mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has dramatically withdrawn from the race to become Ireland’s next president, announcing his decision in a lengthy social media statement posted at 3.30am Irish time on Monday. The controversial UFC star cited family consultation and blamed Ireland’s “outdated constitution” for creating barriers to his candidacy.
McGregor, 37, had been due to address meetings of Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council on Monday in an attempt to secure the nominations required to appear on October’s ballot paper. Instead, the Dublin native confirmed he would remain in America where he is currently in various meetings, abandoning his political ambitions for now.
“Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,” McGregor wrote in his statement. “This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.”
The former two-division UFC champion faced an uphill battle to meet Ireland’s strict nomination requirements. To qualify for the ballot, candidates must secure backing from either 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) or four local authorities. Surveys by The Irish Times and Sky News had indicated McGregor lacked sufficient support amongst councillors or lawmakers to qualify.
Constitutional Criticism
In his withdrawal statement, McGregor launched a scathing attack on Ireland’s electoral system, claiming the constitutional requirements created a “straitjacket” preventing genuine democratic participation. The fighter accused the establishment of maintaining a system designed to ensure only “approved candidates” could contest the presidency.
“The current eligibility requirements have made the election, in all practicality, fixed to ensure only Establishment approved candidates may be selected on the ballot,” McGregor stated. He claimed this represented a “democratic deficit against the will of the Irish people” which his expression of interest had successfully highlighted.
The mixed martial arts star had announced his intention to run for the presidency in September last year, generating international headlines. During a St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House at the invitation of US President Donald Trump in March 2025, McGregor controversially claimed Ireland was “on the cusp of losing its Irishness” due to an “illegal immigration racket”, comments that were widely condemned in Ireland.
Civil Court Ruling Shadow
McGregor’s presidential ambitions faced significant obstacles following a High Court civil case in which he was found liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. A civil court jury awarded Ms Hand nearly €250,000 ($257,000) in November 2024 after finding McGregor had assaulted her.
In July 2025, McGregor lost his appeal against the jury’s finding, with the Court of Appeal dismissing all grounds of his challenge. The ruling meant McGregor was ordered to pay approximately €1.3 million (£1.1 million) in legal costs in addition to the damages awarded to Ms Hand.
Tánaiste Simon Harris had recently stated: “Conor McGregor is a person who has been found responsible for rape in a civil court in Ireland. That’s a statement of fact.” This legal backdrop significantly complicated McGregor’s attempts to secure political backing from established parties and councillors.
Political Journey Begins
Despite withdrawing from the current race, McGregor insisted this marked only the beginning of his political career rather than its end. “This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey,” he declared. “I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity.”
The fighter promised to continue lobbying for Ireland’s interests on the global stage, stating: “I will continue to serve my people on the global stage lobbying for Ireland’s best interests socially and economically, of that there is no doubt. This is a marathon. Not a sprint!”
McGregor had received high-profile endorsements from figures including Elon Musk and had recently entered into business with Donald Trump Jr, the son of the US President. However, domestic political support remained elusive throughout his campaign.
Super Primary Monday
McGregor’s withdrawal came on what had been described as a “super primary” day, with 11 councils scheduled to hold special meetings to consider nominating presidential candidates. Most councils were expected to vote after their meetings, although some, such as Kildare, planned to defer their votes until the following week.
The fighter had submitted a pitch to Dublin City Council last week, claiming he would use constitutional provisions to “restore political power to the Irish citizenry”. In his letter to councillors, McGregor pointed to his sporting record and business activities, claiming to have “directly helped create thousands of jobs” in Ireland.
He also argued his massive online following would allow him to reach “younger generations who are increasingly disengaged from establishment politics“, suggesting the presidency under his tenure would be “more visible, more relevant, and more inclusive than ever before.
Current Presidential Race
The withdrawal leaves the field open for other candidates vying to succeed President Michael D Higgins, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term after serving the maximum two seven-year terms permitted. Higgins’ second term ends on 11 November 2025, with the election scheduled for 24 October.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly is currently the only formally confirmed candidate, having secured backing from Labour, the Social Democrats, and other independent members. Fine Gael has selected former minister Heather Humphreys as its candidate following Mairead McGuinness’s withdrawal on health grounds, whilst Fianna Fáil has nominated former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin.
Sinn Féin has yet to announce its candidate, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald ruling herself out of contention on 8 September, stating she needed to “lead from the front” whilst in opposition. The party has indicated it will make its final decision by 20 September.
Previous Political Speculation
McGregor’s interest in the presidency had been building since December 2023, when he first indicated he was considering running. At the time, he criticised what he called the “criminal” allocation of Ireland’s funds and claimed the public felt “ignored” and “unheard” except during election time.
A poll conducted that month found only eight per cent of respondents would vote for McGregor, whilst 89 per cent said they would not support his candidacy. Despite these unfavourable numbers, the fighter maintained his campaign throughout 2025, regularly posting on social media about his political intentions.
In August 2025, it was reported that McGregor was considering a legal challenge to the constitutional process by which candidates qualify for the presidency. However, The Irish Times reported on 29 August that McGregor had made no effort to contact any county council about securing a nomination, suggesting he was merely “cosplaying” as a presidential candidate online.
Future Political Ambitions
McGregor’s statement emphasised that his withdrawal should be seen as strategic rather than permanent. He promised supporters: “You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation.”
The fighter claimed his campaign had sparked “an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people”. He added: “That conversation will not end with my withdrawal. The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back.”
In his bilingual statement, which began with “Muintir na hÉireann, a chairde Ghaeil” (People of Ireland, My Irish friends), McGregor praised what he called a “very visible and vocal movement of Irish Patriots” seeking to maintain and protect Ireland’s way of life.
Constitutional Requirements Under Fire
The Irish presidency, whilst largely ceremonial, carries significant constitutional powers including signing laws, appointing the Taoiseach and cabinet, and representing Ireland abroad. The nomination period for the 2025 election runs from 10am on 5 September to 12 noon on 24 September 2025.
McGregor’s criticism of the nomination process echoes concerns raised by other aspiring candidates who have struggled to meet the requirements. Former Riverdance star Michael Flatley and meteorologist Joanna Donnelly both withdrew from the race after failing to secure sufficient backing.
The constitutional requirement for candidates to secure support from either 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities has been defended as ensuring serious candidates with genuine political backing contest the presidency. However, critics argue it prevents popular outsiders from challenging the political establishment.
McGregor’s Legacy
Despite his withdrawal, McGregor’s brief foray into Irish politics has generated significant international attention and domestic debate about the nature of Ireland’s democratic processes. His campaign, whilst ultimately unsuccessful, highlighted tensions between populist appeals and institutional gatekeeping in Irish politics.
The fighter’s political ambitions appear far from extinguished. At 37, McGregor would be 44 during the next presidential election in 2032, leaving ample time for future campaigns. His close relationships with international figures like Trump and Musk suggest he will maintain a public profile beyond the octagon.
As Ireland’s political establishment prepares for October’s election without the controversial fighter on the ballot, questions remain about whether McGregor’s withdrawal represents a victory for institutional stability or a missed opportunity for democratic renewal. What is certain is that the “Notorious” fighter’s political journey, as he insists, has only just begun.
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Image Credit:
Conor McGregor with the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon (17 March 2025) — photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza / U.S. Department of Defense, Public domain (U.S. federal government work).
