Tánaiste Dismisses Conor McGregor‘s Presidential Bid as Unlikely, while Bob Geldof Explores Support
DUBLIN – Tánaiste Micheál Martin has stated that former UFC champion Conor McGregor has a “negligible chance” of securing a nomination for the upcoming presidential election, as speculation continues to swirl around potential candidates. This comes as reports emerge that representatives for Bob Geldof,the Boomtown Rats singer and Live Aid organiser,are actively gauging support among local councillors.
The comments from Martin, reported by The Irish Times, effectively downplay the prospect of McGregor entering the race, despite the fighter’s public expressions of interest. The presidential election is slated to take place later this year, following the current President Michael D. Higgins’ decision not to seek a third term.
Meanwhile, sources indicate Geldof is exploring a potential run. Marc MacSharry, a former Sligo-Leitrim TD and now a consultant with Pontis Advisory Limited, has been contacting councillors across the country, including those in County Kerry – where the first special meeting for presidential hopefuls to pitch for support will be held – to assess the level of backing Geldof might receive.
The nature of these contacts, according to The Irish Times, was primarily research-based, focused on gauging interest rather than actively soliciting nominations. Autonomous councillor Charlie Farrelly of Kerry confirmed receiving a call from MacSharry, stating he declined to offer support to Geldof. “I also got a call from Marc MacSharry asking if Bob Geldof was looking for council support, woudl I support him. I said no,” Farrelly said. Other councillors contacted echoed this sentiment, noting the inquiries were about assessing potential support, not requesting formal endorsements.
MacSharry declined to comment on the specifics of the research or identify his client, stating, “You will respect that Pontis Advisory Limited do not comment on our clients’ details or specific services being provided to them.”
Geldof himself has not yet publicly committed to a run, nor has he appeared on the list of candidates scheduled to address Kerry County Council on Monday. Though, he reportedly discussed the possibility with Taoiseach Martin last week, who informed Geldof he could not offer a nomination, as Martin is backing former Dublin GAA manager Jim gavin as Fianna Fáil’s candidate.
Alongside Geldof, businessman Gareth Sheridan and former solicitor Nick Delehanty are expected to address the Kerry County Council meeting as independent hopefuls. Attempts to reach Geldof for comment have been unsuccessful.
The Irish presidential election requires candidates to secure nominations from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament) or from four county councils. The process of securing these nominations is currently underway, with several individuals vying for the opportunity to challenge for the Áras, the official residence of the President of Ireland.