LIVE: Conor McGregor launches petition to secure place on ballot for Presidential election
In an Instagram post, the former MMS fighter stated his intent to run and simultaneously launched the petition to ensure he can be included on the ballot paper
Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has announced his intention to context the upcoming Presidential Election.
The Dublin man first hinted at running in March of this year but officially declared the news across social media on Bank Monday.
In an Instagram post, the controversial figure stated his intent to run and simultaneously launched a petition to ensure he can make the ballot.
McGregor said: "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. The current constitutional framework however presents a significant barrier to democratic participation."
Article 12 of the Constitution states that every candidate for election to the office of President "must be nominated either by (i) not less than twenty persons, each of whom is at the time a member of one of the Houses of the Oireachtas, or (ii) by the Councils of not less than four administrative Counties (including County Boroughs) as defined by law.
Former or retiring Presidents may become candidates on their own nomination.
The constitution also states that it is not permitted for Oireachtas members or local authorities to nominate more than one candidate to contest the same election.
In his social media post, Conor McGregor added: "This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate."
Alongside the announcement, the-father-of-four launched a Change.org petition advocating for a modification of the nomination process to allow his name be included on the ballot. The public figure said that 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 endeavour 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," he concluded.
As off midday this Tuesday, the petition had more than 7,500 signatures.
McGregor encouraged the public to follow the movement and "give the person you wish to see in the race their chance," whether that is him or not as "the grip of power the government elite have over Ireland must be changed."
He said those that cannot see this going on or don't engage with the petition must "re-evaluate" their thinking.
The Black Forge Inn owner appears to be confident in his bid for President of Ireland, saying: "234 members are in the Oireachtas. 174 in Dáil Eireann and 60 Seanad members. I need 20. This will be 100% secured and I will be on Ireland's Presidential ticket."
However, the sportsman claims the petition he has launched "is not for this" but is solely focussed on the 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!" said Conor McGregor.
This announcement came just four days after the MMA fighter lost his appeal against a civil jury finding in favour of Dublin woman Nikita Hand, who sued him after he allegedly raped her in 2018 at a hotel in the capital.
On Thursday, July 31, a ruling found that McGregor's appeal failed on all five grounds. The previous conviction was upheld and he was ordered to pay damages to Ms Hand.
This follows a civil trial in November 2024 where a jury found that Conor McGregor was liable for the sexual assault of the mother-of-one. She was awarded compensation.
Nikita Hand is pursuing further legal action following the failed appeal.
As it stands, Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has announced her intention to run in the Presidential Election along with Fine Gael member and former European Commissioner Mairead McGuiness.
The election for the next President of Ireland must take place by November 11, 2025.