Conor McGregor statement in full as UFC star withdraws from presidential race

Conor McGregor has announced he is withdrawing from the race for the Irish presidency.

McGregor had been due to address meetings of Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council later on Monday in an attempt to get onto the ballot paper for October’s election. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Irish parliament or four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen over the age of 35.

But the former UFC star announced his decision in a post on social media. In a lengthy statement, he wrote: "I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann. I am a very passionate Gael and take great pride in our Country. I have demonstrated this fighting Irish spirit on a world stage and placed us rightly at the top table.

"I have been truly humbled by the support and encouragement I have received canvassing the length and breadth of our great Island meeting and speaking with the ‘forgotten Irish’ who feel abandoned and ignored by Establishment woke politics.

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"I travelled to New York last Wednesday, a home to many Irish who followed their dreams in pursuit of happiness, to rightfully commemorate the tragic terror attacks of 9/11 and discuss my aspirations for Ireland with the US Administration. I remain in America and will attend to imminent unforeseen meetings that will translate to Irish jobs.

"Ireland has drastically changed in recent years, however, is constraint by the straitjacket of an outdated Constitution that is electively upheld by the main Oireachtas parties, and exploited to prevent a true democratic Presidential election being contested, but rather fixed to ensure only Establishment approved candidates may be selected on the ballot.This democratic deficit against the will of the Irish people has now been successfully magnified by my expression of interest.

"In a very short period, I have catalysed a mobilisation for positive change in Ireland against a malevolent political witch-hunt working together with the mainstream media supercharged Fake News. There 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 – to them I salute you. The current has changed and this tide cannot be held back!

"Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time. While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here.

"I will continue to serve my people by using my international platform to promote Irish interests abroad, to strengthen our economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home.

"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. 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. I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity. I will continue to serve my people on the global stage lobbying for Ireland’s best interest’s socially and economically – of that there is no doubt. This is a marathon. Not a sprint!"