{"id":145153,"date":"2025-09-15T14:43:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/145153\/"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:43:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:43:11","slug":"mma-star-mcgregor-drops-out-of-irelands-presidential-race-channels-television","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/145153\/","title":{"rendered":"MMA Star McGregor Drops Out Of Ireland’s Presidential Race \u2022 Channels Television"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Irish mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor announced Monday that he was withdrawing his candidacy for the country\u2019s presidential election, but added that his \u201ccommitment to Ireland does not end here\u201d.<\/p>\n

Nicknamed \u201cThe Notorious\u201d, McGregor is a leading figure in the anti-immigration movement in Ireland and was hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House in March for St. Patrick\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n

He was convicted last November in a civil rape case and has also been sued in the US federal civil court by a woman accusing him of sexually assaulting her in Miami in June 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cFollowing careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,\u201d McGregor wrote on X.<\/p>\n

In a lengthy message, he criticised Ireland\u2019s electoral law, which requires the endorsement of 20 members of parliament or four local government authorities to validate a candidacy.<\/p>\n

He denounced a \u201cdemocratic deficit against the will of the Irish people\u201d, particularly the \u201c\u2018forgotten Irish\u2019 who feel abandoned and ignored by Establishment woke politics\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is now a very visible and vocal movement of Irish Patriots reverting to our cultural and historical origins seeking to maintain and protect our way of life as Irish,\u201d he said, adding \u201cthis tide cannot be held back\u201d.<\/p>\n

READ ALSO: Former World Boxing Champion Hatton Dead At 46<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Conor McGregor<\/p>\n

The Irish presidential election, scheduled for October 24, will decide the successor to Michael Higgins, who has held the office since 2011.<\/p>\n

There are already three confirmed candidates: the left-wing Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin of Fianna Fail and Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael \u2014 two parties in the ruling centre-right coalition.<\/p>\n

The largest opposition party \u2014 the leftist-nationalist Sinn Fein \u2014 is expected to decide on September 20 whether to nominate its own candidate or support the independent Connolly, who is backed by several leftist parties.<\/p>\n

A number of other independent candidates are still seeking endorsements ahead of the September 24 deadline.<\/p>\n

Other prominent figures expressing an interest in the mostly-honorary position included musician Bob Geldof and \u201cRiverdance\u201d star Michael Flatley, but both dropped out of the race.<\/p>\n

AFP<\/p>\n

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