Conor McGregor Launches Presidential Bid Ahead of Irish Election

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced his intention to run for president of Ireland, urging citizens to support his candidacy just weeks before the upcoming election. McGregor, 37, who was born in Dublin and raised in Crumlin, made the announcement via social media on Thursday, emphasizing that his campaign would center on empowering the Irish people.

“Citizens of Ireland, the time for real change is now!” McGregor stated on X, previously known as Twitter. He pledged that as president, he would ensure no bill becomes law without first seeking the opinion of the people. He called on supporters to contact their local county councillors to nominate him for the ballot, highlighting the importance of community voices in governance.

As the election date of October 24, 2023 approaches, McGregor has until September 24, 2023 to secure his nomination. Candidates require the backing of either 20 members of the Irish parliament or four of the 31 local authorities to be officially nominated. Additionally, candidates must be Irish citizens over the age of 25.

Backing from High-Profile Supporters

In a notable show of support, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk endorsed McGregor, asserting that “no one will fight harder for the people of Ireland than Conor McGregor!” Musk’s involvement in Irish politics has gained attention recently, further amplifying McGregor’s campaign visibility.

McGregor aims to challenge current candidates including Independent Catherine Connolly and former cabinet minister Heather Humphreys, who is representing the Fine Gael party. The largest party in Ireland, Fianna Fail, has yet to announce its candidate, while Sinn Fein has not confirmed its plans regarding the presidential race.

Controversies Surrounding McGregor

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent legal setback for McGregor. In August, the High Court in Dublin ruled against him in a civil case involving allegations of sexual assault from 2018. The court found him liable for the assault of Nikita Hand, ordering him to pay $285,000 in damages along with $1.5 million in legal costs. Prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges due to insufficient evidence for a conviction.

In July, McGregor faced further controversy when rapper Azealia Banks shared explicit photos of him on social media. McGregor responded defiantly, stating, “Don’t let them distract you with my [explicit content] while they rob our country blind!” This remark highlighted his ongoing commitment to shifting the conversation back to political matters.

Adding to the challenges, McGregor’s bar, The Black Forge Inn, located in Crumlin, caught fire in July, with police investigating the incident as a possible act of arson. Despite these issues, McGregor’s focus remains on his presidential bid and the potential to reshape Irish governance.

As Irish citizens prepare for the upcoming election, McGregor’s high-profile campaign is sure to stir discussions about leadership and representation in Ireland. With the backing of notable figures and a commitment to listening to the people, McGregor’s candidacy promises to be a significant factor in the electoral landscape.