Conor McGregor Withdraws from Irish Presidential Race

Tue Sep 23 2025 12:06:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Mixed martial artist Conor McGregor has ended his bid for the presidency of Ireland just a month before the election, citing personal reflections and family consultations.

Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from the Irish presidential race, making the announcement just hours before crucial council meetings aimed at securing nominations. He stated that his decision came after careful consideration and consultation with family. The upcoming election on October 24 will see three confirmed candidates, with McGregor expressing his concerns over the eligibility requirements for presidential candidates in Ireland. He stated that although the decision was difficult, it was the right one for him at this time.

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has announced that he will no longer pursue a run in next month’s Irish presidential election.

His statement on Monday came just hours before he was set to address meetings with Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council to secure the nominations necessary to be included on the ballot.

In a social media post, McGregor mentioned that he decided to withdraw after 'careful reflection' and discussions with his family.

The Irish presidential election is scheduled for October 24, with three candidates already having secured the necessary backing from Irish lawmakers or local authorities to compete.

Presidential candidates in Ireland must be citizens aged 35 or older and require endorsements from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (parliament) or four local authorities.

McGregor, a former champion fighter who hasn't competed professionally since July 2021, stated, 'This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.'

He expressed gratitude for the 'support and encouragement' he received throughout his consideration to run. However, he criticized the election's eligibility rules as a 'straitjacket' that hindered a truly democratic election process.

Earlier in 2024, McGregor lost a civil jury appeal regarding a sexual assault case, a claim he has denied. Settling the case, he was ordered to pay £206,000 in damages to the accuser.

As the election approaches, prospective candidates have until September 24 to secure the necessary endorsement to make it onto the ballot. So far, independent candidate Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin from Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys have secured their positions for the upcoming vote.