Conor McGregor Ends Presidential Bid, Citing “Democratic Deficit”
DUBLIN – Former UFC star Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the race for the Irish presidency, alleging unfairness in the countryS eligibility rules. McGregor, 37, announced the end of his campaign after facing notable hurdles in securing the necessary nominations to appear on the ballot.
To qualify, a candidate requires nomination by 20 members of parliament or four local authorities – a process McGregor described as “fixed” in favor of established political figures. He had been scheduled to address several councils this week seeking endorsements, but analysts deemed his chances of success slim.
Despite limited support – one poll showed just 7% voter backing – McGregor claimed his campaign “catalysed” a movement against the ”malevolent establishment and mainstream media,” and celebrated a growing number of “Irish patriots reverting to our cultural and past origins.” he stated,”This democratic deficit against the will of the Irish people has now been successfully magnified by my expression of interest.”
McGregor’s candidacy was met wiht criticism from within the Irish political landscape. Deputy Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris recently stated McGregor “represents the very worst of us.”
The withdrawal comes amid ongoing legal challenges for McGregor. In July, he lost an appeal related to a civil court ruling that awarded damages to a woman who accused him of rape.
The presidential race now features three confirmed candidates: Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael), Jim Gavin (Fianna Fáil), and Catherine Connolly (independent, backed by the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit). An opinion poll conducted this weekend placed Humphreys in the lead with 22% support, followed by Gavin at 18% and Connolly at 17%. Sinn Féin has yet to announce whether it will field its own candidate or endorse Connolly.
Other figures who initially expressed interest in running, but later withdrew, include dancer Michael Flatley and musician Bob Geldof. The election to succeed current President Michael D Higgins is scheduled for later this year.
