The political ambitions of UFC star Conor McGregor to become the President of Ireland have hit a significant roadblock. As political analysts have warned, his path to the ballot is obstructed by Ireland’s stringent nomination requirements. To qualify, candidates must be nominated by a minimum of 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. In a bid to bypass this challenge, McGregor has launched a public petition on Change.org, directly appealing to the Irish public to modify these rules and enhance democratic participation.
The Irish Presidential Nomination Process Explained
The Irish Constitution sets out a clear and challenging path for presidential candidates. To be eligible for the ballot, a person over the age of 35 must secure nominations from either a group of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Ireland’s national parliament) or a minimum of four of the country’s 31 local authorities. The Oireachtas is composed of 174 members of Dáil Éireann and 60 Senators.
This legal framework is designed to ensure that only serious candidates with a degree of political backing can run for the country’s highest office. For McGregor, a non-politician with a controversial public image, securing this level of support from within the political establishment is a daunting task, as a recent poll of Irish politicians found zero support for his candidacy.
McGregor’s Controversies and Public Image
McGregor’s journey to the presidency is made even more complex by his tumultuous public image. In recent years, he has faced numerous legal issues, including being found civilly liable for sexual assault. A poll published by the Irish Independent in April 2025 indicated that only 7% of the public would consider voting for him.
While McGregor remains a globally recognised MMA superstar, public opinion in Ireland is deeply divided. His supporters view him as a symbol of national pride, while critics question his suitability for such a prestigious ceremonial role given his past actions.
The Change.org Petition: A Direct Appeal to the Public
Recognising the difficulty of securing formal nominations, McGregor has launched an unconventional campaign via Change.org. His petition, titled “Let the People Decide,” calls for a modification of the current nomination rules to allow the public to have a direct say in who can run for president.
His appeal states: “The citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot.” As of the latest reports, however, the petition has so far garnered fewer than 8,000 signatures, indicating a limited initial response to his campaign.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Political Ambition | Conor McGregor aims to run for President of Ireland. |
| Nomination Requirement | A candidate needs 20 Oireachtas members or 4 local authority nominations. |
| Oireachtas Members | Ireland’s Oireachtas has 234 members (174 in the Dáil, 60 in the Seanad). |
| Local Authorities | There are 31 local authorities (city or county councils) in Ireland. |
| Petition Status | McGregor’s petition has fewer than 8,000 signatures. |
| Public Opinion | An April 2025 poll suggested only 7% of the public would vote for him. |
What are the requirements to run for President of Ireland?
To run for President of Ireland, a candidate must be at least 35 years old and be nominated by either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.
Why is Conor McGregor’s bid for president difficult?
McGregor faces significant hurdles due to his lack of political ties and his controversial public image, which makes it challenging for him to secure the required nominations from political bodies.
What is McGregor’s strategy to overcome these challenges?
McGregor has launched an online petition to directly appeal to the public for support, advocating for a change in the nomination process to allow citizens to have a greater say.
How many signatures has his petition received?
As of recent reports, McGregor’s petition has gathered fewer than 8,000 signatures.
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