Conor McGregor will address Dublin City Council and attend the chamber next Monday as part of his bid to enter the presidential election.
The former MMA fighter wrote to the council asking to speak next Monday. As reported by the Irish Examiner on Wednesday, he had not yet confirmed his eligibility.
However, an update sent on Thursday to councillors confirmed that he has now met the requirements and that he will be attending the council chamber.
He is among 14 candidates who have confirmed their eligibility and will attend the meeting alongside Sarah Louise Mulligan, Gareth Sheridan and Dolores Cahill.
Former Dragons’ Den star Peter Casey, who finished second in the 2018 presidential election, is on the list. However, he has yet to confirm his eligibility or attendance.
In his letter to the council, seen by the Irish Examiner, Mr McGregor stated that he believes “now is the time for a truly independent, people-first voice to enter Áras an Uachtaráin,” adding that the person should “reflect the values, struggles, and aspirations of ordinary Irish citizens.”
“The purpose of my Presidential campaign is to give power back to the people of Ireland and to represent Ireland’s citizens independently,” he said.
“As President, I will act as a representative of the Irish people by safeguarding and advancing their interests, exercising my constitutional authority under Articles 12 to 14 of the Constitution of Ireland to restore political power to the Irish citizenry.
“This will be achieved through collaboration with the people of Ireland and Dáil Éireann to initiate constitutional amendments, enacted through public referendums, to return authority to the nation’s citizens. The Irish state will once again operate under direct democracy.
“I have had the honour of representing Ireland on the world stage as an athlete, carrying our flag with pride and passion.
“Away from sport, I have invested deeply in this country’s future by building businesses that employ Irish workers and contribute to our economy.
“Over the years, I have directly helped create thousands of jobs, demonstrating not only my commitment to Ireland’s prosperity but also my ability to deliver real results.
“With working-class roots, I understand the daily challenges facing families, workers, and small business owners.
“I come not from a political dynasty, but from the communities too often unheard in the corridors of power. I am deeply patriotic, and I believe the Presidency should be held by someone who knows what it means to build, serve, and represent Ireland from the ground up.
“My online following allows me to channel a wide and diverse cross-section of Irish society— particularly younger generations who are increasingly disengaged from establishment politics.
“This reach would allow the Presidency under my tenure to be more visible, more relevant, and more inclusive than ever before.”
Mr McGregor asked councillors for “support in helping secure my nomination so that the Irish people may be given a real choice — one that is not confined to candidates from the traditional political establishment”.
He added that a nomination is “not an endorsement of my campaign, but a stand for democracy, fairness, and representation.”
“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you in person or by phone at your convenience,” he said.
“Thank you for considering my request, and for your continued service to our country.”
He ended his letter with the seanfhocal “an donas amach is an sonas isteach,” which translates to “out with the badness and in with the goodness.”