Conor McGregor ends short-lived presidential bid

The MMA fighter, who in recent weeks claimed he had secured the necessary support to contest the presidency, said he was stepping back from the race after "careful reflection" and consultation with his family.

"Muintir na hÉireann, a chairde Ghaeil," McGregor began his message, which was shared on the platform at 3:30am Irish time.

"I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann. 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."

McGregor said he had been "truly humbled" by the encouragement he received while canvassing across Ireland and from the Irish diaspora abroad. But he claimed the political system was "constraint by the straitjacket of an outdated Constitution" and that the major parties had "exploited" the nomination process to ensure only establishment-backed candidates made the ballot.

"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," McGregor wrote.

Muintir na hÉireann, a chairde Ghaeil,

I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann.

I am a very passionate Gael and take great pride in our Country.

I have demonstrated this fighting Irish spirit on a world stage…

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 15, 2025

Despite bowing out, he insisted his brief campaign had exposed a "democratic deficit" and helped mobilise "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."

He added: "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."

McGregor also made clear that his ambitions in politics are not over: "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. This is a marathon. Not a sprint!"

A short-lived campaign

The 36-year-old Dubliner only formally declared his interest in the presidency last month, claiming on X that he had the backing of "the most prestigious party of them all."

However, no party or group of councillors has ever publicly confirmed supporting him.

Under the rules, any presidential hopeful must secure the nomination of 20 Oireachtas members or four local councils. Several TDs, Senators, and councillors had already said they would not support McGregor, who has faced repeated controversies outside the octagon.

Earlier this month, McGregor shared a video filmed outside Government Buildings, in which he appealed directly to councillors to nominate him. In the clip, he criticised the government over homelessness, immigration and public safety.

"Good morning, citizens of Ireland… In these times, the government has cost us our peace of mind, our security, our hope for the future," he said.

McGregor had also travelled to New York last week, where he said he marked the anniversary of 9/11 and discussed "aspirations for Ireland" with US officials.

Election landscape

The presidential election is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks as Michael D. Higgins retires after serving two full terms — a total of 14 years — in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Confirmed candidates include Independent TD Catherine Connolly, who has secured her place on the ballot, Fine Gael’s nominee Minister Heather Humphreys, and Fianna Fáil’s candidate, former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin.

McGregor’s withdrawal clears some of the media spotlight from what has already shaped up to be a competitive campaign, though his late-night announcement has ensured he will remain part of the conversation in the run-up to polling day.

Concluding his message to supporters, McGregor wrote: "Ar aghaidh linn le chéile! This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.