The MMA fighter had launched a petition to change the process around electing an Irish president.
Dr Umar Al-Qadri, who last year ran as an independent in Dublin for last year’s European Parliament elections, also stated that the MMA fighter “undermines” the values of Irish people.
On Monday, the former UFC champion launched a petition declaring both his intentions to seek the office of President of Ireland as well as demanding a reform of the nomination process.
The move comes a week following the 37-year-old losing his challenge against a High Court jury’s finding that he raped Nikita Hand in a Dublin penthouse.
Conor McGregor and Dr Umar Al-Qadri.
News in 90 Seconds – August 6th
After McGregor unveiled his petition on social media, Dr Al-Qadri hit back at the presidential hopeful by calling him “delusional”.
“He genuinely seems to believe that Americans and fans abroad signing an online form will somehow override Ireland’s democratic process”, the Muslim cleric said on X.
“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 subsequently responded to Dr Al-Qadri on social media and described the chief imam as a “leech off the state”.
Dr Umar Al-Qadri.
He added: “Nothing or no one will stop me from putting the peace, safety, and prosperity of the people of Ireland first!”
McGregor proposed a petition advocating for a modification of the nomination process to allow his name to be included on the presidential ballot for the forthcoming election.
Since its publication, that Change.org petition has acquired over 11,000 signatures at the time of writing – with no indication if those who have signed up are themselves based in Ireland or included on the voting registry.
The petition declares that the “current constitutional framework however presents a significant barrier to democratic participation” and proposes a “modification of the nomination process to allow [McGregor’s] name be included on the ballot”.
While the petition does not state what this modified process would look like, it does state 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”.
The current President Michael D Higgins’ term will end on November 11, requiring the election is scheduled to take place on or up to 60 days before that date.
The current system requires any potential candidate for the presidency is required to either be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities.
According to a Sky News survey from March of this year, 134 members of the Oireachtas said they would not nominate the MMA star for the presidency.
Of the 234 total members asked – between 174 TDs and 60 senators – every member who responded to the survey said no.
In an Irish Times survey that same month, 188 councillors (of the 949 total members of local authorities) were asked whether they would nominate McGregor for the presidency.
All but one of those who responded also said no.