Conor McGregor announces withdrawal from presidential race

Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has withdrawn from his bid to contest the presidential election.

“Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,” he posted on X on Monday morning. “This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.”

McGregor was among a number of potential presidential candidates who are meant to address the county councils today.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated by 20 members of the Oireachtas or by four local authorities. McGregor has not secured any expressions of support from either Oireachtas members or county councils.

Although the Irish presidency is a largely symbolic role, McGregor had vowed to shore up “Irish culture” and give power “back to the people” by curbing immigration.

Muintir na hÉireann, a chairde Ghaeil,

I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann.

I am a very passionate Gael and take great pride in our Country.

I have demonstrated this fighting Irish spirit on a world stage…

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 15, 2025

In his post on X, McGregor vowed to “continue to serve” his people by using his international platform to promote Irish interests abroad, to strengthen economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home.

"This campaign has sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand,” he added, “who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people.”

Last year, McGregor was found guilty by a High Court Jury for raping Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel, awarding her almost €250,000 in damage. He lost his appeal against the jury finding in July.

There are currently three confirmed candidates for the presidential race: former government minister Heather Humphreys, who is running for Fine Gael; former manager of Dublin’s Gaelic football Jim Gavin, who is running for Fianna Fáil; and Catherine Connolly, an independent member of parliament who is backed by the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit.