September 2025 Dublin: MMA fighter and former UFC champion Conor McGregor has publicly reaffirmed his intention to run for the presidency of Ireland. In a video posted on his official account on X (formerly Twitter), McGregor stood in front of government buildings in Dublin, dressed in a formal suit, and called on local councillors to nominate him so he can secure a place on the ballot.
The Requirements to Run for President of Ireland
Under Ireland’s Constitution, any Irish citizen aged 35 or older is eligible to run for the presidency. However, candidates must first secure a formal nomination. There are two possible routes:
- Backing from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Ireland’s Parliament) or
- Endorsements from at least four of Ireland’s 31 local authorities (county and city councils).
The nomination deadline for the upcoming presidential election is just weeks away, meaning McGregor faces a short window to gather the necessary political backing.
McGregor’s Message
In his video statement, McGregor urged councillors to support his bid, positioning himself as a candidate focused on law and order and public safety. He has stated that his campaign would prioritise tackling crime and addressing migration issues.
Challenges Ahead
- No Party Affiliation: McGregor is not a member of any political party, making it more difficult to secure institutional support.
- Background and Public Perception: While McGregor is one of Ireland’s most globally recognizable sports figures, his past includes several high-profile controversies, which critics argue could weigh against his candidacy.
- Time Pressure: With the nomination deadline approaching, his ability to quickly build political support remains uncertain.
Context
The role of the President of Ireland is largely ceremonial but carries symbolic importance. The president is directly elected by the people and serves as the head of state for a seven-year term.
If McGregor successfully secures nomination and a place on the ballot, he would be the first high-profile sports personality to contest for Ireland’s presidency.
Sources / Accreditation
- The Irish Times – “Conor McGregor says he wants to run for president”
- Constitution of Ireland, Presidential Election process
- RTE / local media coverage of McGregor’s announcement
