UFC LEGEND Conor McGregor has revealed that he is withdrawing his bid to run to be elected President of Ireland.
The ex-MMA fighter said he made the decision after “careful reflection” and consultation with his family.
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He had claimed to have secured the necessary support to enter the race.
But after pulling out of the election on Monday morning, McGregor said his campaign has “sparked an important conversation”.
He said: “This campaign has sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people.
“That conversation will not end with my withdrawal. The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back.”
The 37-year-old, who was found liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in a civil court case in November, claimed that the decision “is not the end” of his political journey.
In a post on X this morning, McGregor said: “My first venture into politics, and although I have chosen to withdraw this round, meaningful progress has been made.
“I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election.
“You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation.
“This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey.”
To be eligible to run, a candidate must be backed either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.
They must also be an Irish citizen over the age of 35 to be included on the ballot.
Eleven councils will hold special meetings today to consider nominating a candidate.
McGregor had been seeking a nomination from local authorities to get on the ballot paper and was among a number of prospective candidates due to address county councils.
He had been due to address meetings of Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council later this afternoon in an attempt to get onto the ballot paper.
He had claimed to have secured the necessary support to enter the race.
This morning, McGregor said his campaign has “sparked an important conversation”.
He said: “This campaign has sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people.
“That conversation will not end with my withdrawal. The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back.”
3 CONFIRMED FOR THE BALLOT
There are currently three confirmed candidates on the ballot for the presidential election.
Former minister Heather Humphreys is running for Fine Gael and ex-Dublin football manager Jim Gavin is running for Fianna Fail.
Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has the backing of the Labour Party, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit.
The Independent candidate said she would be “delighted” if Sinn Fein backed her campaign when it clarifies its position next Saturday.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said her party will disclose on 20 September whether it will field its own candidate in the election or back Connolly’s campaign.