Former UFC two-division champion, Conor McGregor, recently announced his bid for the upcoming presidential election in Ireland. But in order to find a spot on the ballot, “Notorious” needs the support of 20 parliament members or four local council members.
To date, he’s got zero.
“234 members are in the Oireachtas. 174 in Dáil Éireann and 60 Seanad members. I need 20,” McGregor wrote on social media. “This will be 100% secured and I WILL BE ON IRELAND’S PRESIDENTIAL TICKET. To sign, share, support my petition, is not for this. It is for a changing of the nomination structure to be brought in. As it stands now, there are many prominent people with support, and with correct stances and policies for the betterment of Ireland, that are fully blocked from a chance to enter the race. That is UNDEMOCRATIC! It must change and this petition will show who is for this change! If you wish to free Ireland from the chains of the government elite SIGN, SHARE, SUPPORT THIS PETITION!”
Below is a copy of McGregor’s petition to help change the existing laws so that outsiders with no political experience (like himself) can be part of the democratic election.
“To the esteemed citizens of Ireland and the Irish diaspora: I, Conor McGregor hereby declare my intention to seek the esteemed office of President of Ireland,” McGregor wrote. “The current constitutional framework however, presents a significant barrier to democratic participation. The existing regulations mandate that a candidate must secure nominations from either twenty members of the Oireachtas or four county councils to be eligible for the ballot. This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate.”
Unfortunately for McGregor, fans on social media seem even less motivated than parliament.
“In light of this, I propose a petition advocating for a modification of the nomination process to allow my name to be included on the ballot,” McGregor continued. “I contend that the citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot. Therefore, I implore you to join me in this endeavor by signing this petition. Your support will be instrumental in championing a more inclusive and democratic electoral process, thereby empowering the people of Ireland to shape their own future.”
It’s hard to imagine the citizens of Ireland putting their trust in McGregor after so many public missteps. In addition to his history of unprovoked violence against members of the community, “Notorious” was recently found liable in a sexual assault civil suit (and lost his appeal).
“Conor McGregor launching a petition to run for President, while ignoring the basic constitutional requirements, isn’t bold, it’s delusional,” wrote Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, chair of the Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council. “He genuinely seems to believe that Americans and fans abroad signing an online form will somehow override Ireland’s democratic process. That’s not how Irish political system works. The Presidency is meant to embody the best of Ireland : decency, integrity, respect for all, especially for women and personal autonomy. McGregor’s history reflects the opposite. He does not represent Irish values; he undermines them. He is not Ireland’s hope. He is Ireland’s shame.”
McGregor quickly returned fire.
“Give it a rest ‘doc’ or should I say ‘entrepreneur’ (leech off the state). People from your country of origin have been behaving deplorably in today’s Ireland, as well as our neighboring UK,” McGregor added. “So many horrific crimes have taken place this year by your country men. Terrorist attack in India another one. There have been many. Terrorism. Criminality. Mental depravity and derangement. Abuse of welfare. To name a few. Most recent and most shocking for Ireland was the stabbing of a Garda on active duty just days ago.”
“You should speak less on behavioral patterns when your culture and nation is proving day after day to be a very dangerous and unnecessary liability to the West,” McGregor added. “As President, I remove all imported criminals and mentally deranged lunatics from Ireland. As well as put a rapid end to the funding/teachings of radical ideologies in Irish society. Nothing or no one will stop me from putting the peace, safety, and prosperity of the people of Ireland first! FREE IRELAND.”
The 2025 Irish presidential election takes place in early November.
