Former UFC star Conor McGregor is throwing a Hail Mary in his attempt to become the next president of Ireland.
On Monday, McGregor posted a link to a petition in which he urged his social media followers to “SIGN MY PETITION NOW TO SAVE IRELAND,” a sort of desperation move after it became clear that he wouldn’t receive the required nominations from other Irish politicians.
“To the esteemed citizens of Ireland and the Irish diaspora,” McGregor wrote, “I, Conor McGregor hereby declare my intention to seek the esteemed office of President of Ireland. The current constitutional framework however, presents a significant barrier to democratic participation. The existing regulations mandate that a candidate must secure nominations from either twenty members of the Oireachtas or four county councils to be eligible for the ballot. This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate.
“In light of this, I propose a petition advocating for a modification of the nomination process to allow my name be included on the ballot. I contend 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. Therefore, I implore you to join me in this endeavor by signing this petition. Your support will be instrumental in championing a more inclusive and democratic electoral process, thereby empowering the people of Ireland to shape their own future.”
McGregor, 37, announced his intention to run for president of Ireland in March, not long after he met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to, in his words, “raise the issues the people of Ireland face.” Throughout 2025, McGregor regularly has taken to social media to paint the picture of a dire political climate in his home country, calling himself “the only logical choice” to succeed Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
McGregor last November was found liable for the 2018 sexual assault of a woman in a Dublin hotel. Last week, McGregor lost his appeal to have the decision reversed.
If McGregor makes it onto the presidential ballot, he could face an uphill battle to win. A poll earlier this year found that just 7% of people said they would vote for McGregor to be president of Ireland.
