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Conor McGregor Forges Ahead With Presidential Bid Despite Major Setback

The MMA fighter launched a petition to change Ireland’s nomination process after failing to get his name on the ballot.

Conor McGregor will stop at nothing to become the president of Ireland. The Irish MMA fighter launched a petition on Monday to change the country’s nomination process to add his name to the ballot, stating that the current framework presents “a significant barrier to democratic participation.” “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,” said McGregor in the post. The petition comes in light of McGregor, 37, failing to capture at least 20 nominations from the Oireachtas, the national parliament of Ireland, or from four county councils. The two-time UFC champion initially expressed interest in becoming president in Sept. 2024, stating that “Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland. It is me. I am the only logical choice.” Unfortunately for McGregor, public sentiment on the wannabe politician has plummeted largely due to his scandals, including being found liable for a 2018 sexual assault. Last week, he lost his appeal against a civil jury who found him guilty of raping Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room. A poll found that only 7 percent of citizens have said they would vote for him. In order to run, all candidates must be a citizen and at least 35 years of age on top of receiving the necessary nominations. The 2025 elections will take place in Nov. 2025.