Conor McGregor is calling on fans worldwide to help him overcome legal barriers and get on the Irish presidential ballot.
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor declared Monday his intent to run for President of Ireland via an online petition, citing unfair nomination rules that limit public influence in elections. The petition, hosted on Change.org, is aimed at gathering enough public support to pressure Ireland’s political establishment into allowing him on the ballot.
In his statement, McGregor criticized current regulations requiring candidates to be nominated by 20 national legislators or four county or city councils. He argued that this system restricts democratic participation and excludes candidates with widespread popular support.
“The citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot,” McGregor wrote.
Under Ireland’s Constitution, a presidential candidate must be at least 35 years old, hold Irish citizenship, and secure an official nomination. The only exception applies to former presidents running for a second term. McGregor, 37, meets the age requirement but lacks political endorsements.
As of Tuesday morning, over 9,300 people have signed McGregor’s petition. While the figure is growing, it holds no legal weight under Irish election law, and it remains uncertain whether public pressure could influence lawmakers to support his candidacy.
McGregor’s announcement follows a string of political commentary from the athlete in recent months, as he has criticized government leadership, immigration policy, and public health mandates. He has also flirted with populist rhetoric, gaining traction among Irish citizens frustrated with establishment politics.
Despite the long odds, McGregor’s move reflects a broader discontent with the political process and a push for greater citizen involvement.
