Conor McGregor announced on Monday that he is withdrawing his bid to stand in next month’s Irish presidential election, saying the decision followed “careful reflection, and after consulting with my family.”
The former mixed martial arts champion made the announcement on social media hours before he was due to address meetings of Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council, where he had planned to seek the local authority nominations required to appear on the ballot. Prospective presidential candidates in Ireland must secure endorsements from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or from four of the country’s 31 local authorities to qualify.
“I am truly humbled by the support and encouragement shown to me over the past several months,” McGregor wrote, adding that the election’s eligibility rules amounted to a “straitjacket” that prevented “a true democratic presidential election being contested.” He said the decision to withdraw “was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.” McGregor is 37 and has not competed professionally since July 2021.
Ireland will hold its presidential election on 24 October. Candidates have until 24 September to secure the backing required to make it onto the ballot. Three hopefuls have already obtained the endorsements needed to stand: independent candidate Catherine Connolly, who is supported by Labour, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit; Jim Gavin, selected by Fianna Fáil; and Heather Humphreys, the candidate of Fine Gael.
McGregor first announced an intention to run for president last year, drawing attention both for his celebrity and for questions about whether he could meet the formal nomination thresholds in the time available. His withdrawal leaves the contest to candidates from established parties and one prominent independent who have already navigated the endorsement process.
The move also comes amid ongoing legal and reputational controversies surrounding McGregor. Earlier this year, he lost a civil appeal against a jury finding that concluded he had sexually assaulted a woman, an allegation he has denied. In November 2024, the claimant, Nikita Hand, was awarded damages in a civil case and McGregor was ordered to pay approximately £206,000 plus costs.
The Irish presidency is a largely ceremonial office, with eligibility restricted to Irish citizens aged 35 or older. Although the role carries limited executive power, the election traditionally attracts attention as a barometer of public sentiment and as a platform for national debate. McGregor’s brief campaign had highlighted tensions between celebrity-driven candidacies and the formal nomination rules that govern Irish presidential contests.
With McGregor’s withdrawal, the campaign is expected to focus on the three candidates who already hold the necessary endorsements, and on outreach to voters ahead of the October vote. The presidential campaign season will likely involve public events, debates and continued scrutiny of the candidates’ records as they seek to secure broad-based support across the country.
McGregor did not immediately say whether he might reconsider a future political bid. In his social media post, he thanked supporters and reiterated his commitment to his family and private life as he stepped back from the contest.