Crystal Charles
A former UFC fighter Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Irish presidential election.
The announcement was made in a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 07:15 Irish time on Monday, 15 September. McGregor said the decision followed “careful reflection” and discussions with his family, describing it as “not an easy decision, but the right one at this moment in time.”
He criticised the nomination process required under the Irish constitution as a “straitjacket,” claiming it favours establishment-approved candidates. McGregor had not secured any nominations from Oireachtas members or from the four local authorities needed to appear on the ballot.
Despite withdrawing, McGregor said his commitment to Ireland “does not end here,” signalling that he may pursue future involvement in public life.
The presidential election is scheduled to take place on 24 October 2025.