Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the Irish presidential race, claiming the process is fixed and designed to favour establishment candidates. McGregor was among several prospective contenders expected to present their case to county councils on Monday as part of the nomination process. To enter the election, candidates must secure backing from at least 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities. By Monday, McGregor had not received any formal expressions of support from either Oireachtas members or councils, leaving his chances of securing a nomination highly unlikely. In a statement posted on X, McGregor announced his withdrawal, writing: 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. 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. He said he had been sincere and genuine in his intentions and was truly humbled by the support he received. However, he criticised Irelands outdated constitution, arguing it placed a straitjacket on the process and ensured that only Establishment approved candidates may be selected on the ballot. McGregors bid had already been clouded by controversy. Last year, he was ordered by the High Court to pay 250,000 in damages to Nikita Hand after a jury found he had assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in 2018. He later lost his appeal against the ruling. His candidacy had also faced sharp criticism from political figures. Tnaiste Simon Harris said last week that McGregor represents the very worst of us and had a negligible chance of securing a nomination. Harris added: Conor McGregor is a person who has been found responsible for rape in a civil court in Ireland. Thats a statement of fact. Monday marked a pivotal stage in the campaign, with 11 county councils due to hold meetings to consider potential candidates. A further 13 councils are scheduled to meet before the nomination deadline on September 24. So far, Fine Gael has nominated former minister Heather Humphreys, while Fianna Fil has selected former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin. Independent TD Catherine Connolly has also entered the race, and Sinn Fin is expected to decide next week whether to field a candidate. McGregors withdrawal narrows the field as the contest moves into a decisive phase, with official nominations still to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
0 Comments