Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the race for the Áras, saying “following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race.”
In a post to X this morning, the MMA fighter said that his intentions in running for the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann were “sincere and genuine”, and that his intentions “sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people.”
“I am a very passionate Gael and take great pride in our Country. I have demonstrated this fighting Irish spirit on a world stage and placed us rightly at the top table,” he said.
“I have been truly humbled by the support and encouragement I have received canvassing the length and breadth of our great Island meeting and speaking with the ‘forgotten Irish’ who feel abandoned and ignored by Establishment woke politics,” he claimed.
He said that “Ireland has drastically changed in recent years, however, is constraint by the straitjacket of an outdated Constitution that is selectively upheld by the main Oireachtas parties, and exploited to prevent a true democratic Presidential election being contested, but rather fixed to ensure only Establishment approved candidates may be selected on the ballot.”
Mr McGregor added that “this democratic deficit against the will of the Irish people has now been successfully magnified by my expression of interest.”
“In a very short period, I have catalysed a mobilisation for positive change in Ireland against a malevolent political witch-hunt working together with the mainstream media supercharged Fake News,” he continued. “There is now a very visible and vocal movement of Irish Patriots reverting to our cultural and historical origins seeking to maintain and protect our way of life as Irish – to them I salute you.”
“The current has changed and this tide cannot be held back,” he asserted.
“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.”
“This campaign has sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people. That conversation will not end with my withdrawal.”
“The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back.”
“My first venture into politics, and although I have chosen to withdraw this round, meaningful progress has been made. I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election. You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation.”
“This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey. I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity.”
Mr McGregor was to seek a nomination at Dublin City Council tonight, and several female councillors had indicated that they will also “walk out” in protest if he had proceeded.
A similar response had been received in advance from Waterford councillors, with Fianna Fáil’s Adam Wyse, saying “If he does turn up some councillors have indicated that they will walk out in protest.”
Cllr Wyse added that the presidency is meant to embody “dignity, compassion and respect”.
“McGregor offers only chaos, controversy and a circus. Allowing him to use our chamber as a platform would be a mistake. I am calling on my fellow councillors to join me in refusing him a hearing,” he said.
Last year, a jury in a civil trial found that Mr McGregor had raped Nikita Hand in a hotel room in Dublin in December 2018. Ms Hand was awarded just under €250,000 in damages.