McGregor released the statement after being snubbed by several Irish councils who are required to nominate him for him to appear on the ballot in the October 24 election
Conor McGregor has declared that he is pulling out of his bid for the forthcoming Irish presidential election.
The former UFC champion McGregor had been vigorously pursuing nominations from local councils to secure his place on the ballot paper for the contest but has failed to garner sufficient support from authorities.
In an extensive social media statement, the 37-year-old confirmed his choice to abandon his campaign to replace Michael D. Higgins as Uachtaráin.
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“Following careful reflection, and after 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 in time,” McGregor wrote on X.
“While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here. I will continue to serve my people by using my international platform to promote Irish interests abroad, to strengthen our economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
During the weekend, McGregor launched a scathing attack on Taoiseach Micheal Martin in an explosive online rant.
Presidential hopefuls in Ireland must be aged over 35 and receive backing from either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.
In this morning’s announcement, the Dubliner also lashed out at “establishment woke politics” and “fake news” whilst condemning the nomination process for Irish presidents, although he pledged to return to the political arena in future and maintained his campaigning efforts would continue. McGregor also insisted that the “current has changed” and hailed the backing he believes he has secured from many in recent months.
He went on: “This campaign has 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. That conversation will not end with my withdrawal. The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back.
“My first venture into politics, and although I have chosen to withdraw this round, meaningful progress has been made. I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election. You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation. This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey.
“I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity. 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! Ar aghaidh linn le Chéile! Is mise le dhea mheas, i gcónaí agus go deo.”
Looking ahead to the election on October 24, Fine Gael has nominated Heather Humphreys whilst Fianna Fáil has backed former Dublin GAA chief Jim Gavin, with Independent Catherine Connolly also garnering considerable support across the country.
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