Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the 2025 Irish presidential election, ending a campaign that was high on profile but lacking in political backing.
The former UFC champion announced his decision on Monday, just before he was due to attend council meetings to seek formal nominations.
Under the constitution, presidential hopefuls must secure the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.
McGregor had yet to achieve either, and there was little indication councillors or parliamentarians were prepared to endorse him.
In his statement, McGregor described the process as a “straitjacket” designed to protect the political establishment. He said the system blocked outsiders from entering the race and needed reform.
While his candidacy initially generated considerable attention, and the backing of a number of senior figures on the American right with his invitation to the White House on St Patrick’s Day a perceived tacit endorsement for his ambitions.
Celebrity recognition and a large social media following were not enough to overcome the institutional thresholds built into Ireland’s presidential system.
Politicians across the spectrum had played down his chances, with a broad and consistent rejection of his candidacy.
His chances were further hampered in relation to a number of previous legal cases involving rape, sexual assault and indecent exposure, with McGregor being found guilty of sexual assault at a civil rape trial in 2024.
alexThe withdrawal leaves the field to established contenders. Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys is currently seen as the frontrunner, followed by Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin. Independent TD Catherine Connolly is also in the race with support from parts of the left.
McGregor’s brief foray highlights wider questions about access to Ireland’s highest office. Mcgregor and his supporters have argued that the nomination system acts as an exclusionary tool to protect political insiders whilst opponents have maintained that the system helps maintain the integrity and seriousness of the presidency.
Although his exit is unlikely to alter the outcome of this election but may add pressure for future debate on how accessible the presidency should be.
Image via Roberto Galan / Shutterstock
