Conor McGregor pulls out of race for Irish presidency

McGregor had been due to address meetings of Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council later on Monday in an attempt to get onto the ballot paper for October's election.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Irish parliament or four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen over the age of 35.

The sportsman announced his decision in a post on social media.

"I have been truly humbled by the support and encouragement I have received canvassing the length and breadth of our great Island meeting and speaking with the ‘forgotten Irish’ who feel abandoned and ignored by Establishment woke politics," he wrote.

The controversial sportsman also hit out at the nomination process candidates must go through to feature on the ballot, claiming it is "fixed to ensure only Establishment approved candidates may be selected."

"Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race," he added.

"This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time."

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In the lengthy social media post, McGregor also hinted that he might contest the presidency again.

"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," he wrote.

"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."

McGregor, a controversial sporting figure, had hit out at Irish premier Micheal Martin earlier this year, with the leader declaring he does not "take too much note" of criticism levelled at him by the mixed martial art (MMA) fighter.

The fighter initially announced his plans to run in a striking Instagram post, which pictured him posing with his young child in front of a private jet, wearing a 'Make Ireland Great Again' cap - apparel modelled in the vein of Trump's MAGA merchandise.

Following the controversial star's meeting with Trump on St Patrick's Day in March, Ireland's most senior figures hit out at the sportsman's scathing comments suggesting he does not represent Ireland.

In November, the MMA fighter was found to have raped a woman in a civil case held in Dublin.

McGregor criticised the government on a range of issues during discussions with US President, as he labelled Trump's work ethic "inspiring" during the pair's Oval Office meeting

In return, the US president described McGregor as "fantastic".

Taking to Instagram after announcing his leadership bid, the MMA fighter wrote: "Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026.

"So between now and 12 June 2026, several pieces of legislation have to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas & then signed by the President.

"The next presidential election must take place by 11 Nov 2025. Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill?

"Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!

"For clarity also, as President, I would put forth this bill to referendum."

The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency, claimed the Irish Government was one of "zero action with zero accountability".

In particular, he criticised Mr Martin and his government's policies on immigration and public safety.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Irish president Mr Martin said the mixed martial arts fighter did not speak for Ireland and that the government was made up of elected representatives.

"As far as the government is concerned - it's an elected government, by the way - and we're very focused on increasing the policing in the public order capacity.

"But I don't take too much note of his criticism other than to say that he does not speak for for the Irish people in any shape or form.

"And we will continue to work in Dail Eireann and in engaging with the opposition in Dail Eireann who are elected also. And we will engage in terms of the best policies to develop for this country into the future."