Conor McGregor claims he has political support to run for president

James Cox

Conor McGregor has claimed his unlikely presidential bid has secured enough support for him to get on the ballot, although he did not specify what politicians had agreed to support him.

The former UFC fighter needs support from 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local councils if he is to run for president. 

He previously claimed the presidential election system was unconstitutional, and launched a petition for it to be changed.

In a post on X, McGregor claimed to have the support of TDs, councils and senators, including "the most prestigious party of them all".

His claim appears highly unlikely as numerous TDs and senators have said they would not back McGregor, with many saying he is not a suitable candidate for president.

I have it secured.

I have councils on board. TD’s. Senators.

I even have the most prestigious party of them all.

It is now about choosing my affiliation.

Ireland’s Call will be answered.

I am here for the will of the people. Only.

Who aligns in support of the policies… https://t.co/PE70FEtCSv

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 27, 2025

Last month, McGregor lost his appeal of a civil jury’s finding in favour of Dublin woman Nikita Hand, who had accused him of rape.

The MMA fighter lost his appeal on all five grounds that the case was taken.

Ms Hand (35) successfully sued McGregor in a civil court over an incident in which he was alleged to have “brutally raped and battered” her in a penthouse at a south Dublin hotel in December 2018.

The jury found that McGregor, who told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand, civilly liable for assault.

Ms Hand was awarded €248,603.60 in damages and McGregor was also ordered to pay about €1.3 million in legal costs following November’s trial.

Independent Catherine Connolly is the only confirmed candidate in the presidential election so far.

Heather Humphreys looks set to secure the Fine Gael nomination, although she has competition from Seán Kelly.

Fianna Fáil have not yet confirmed a candidate but former Dublin manager Jim Gavin is believed to be a frontrunner, while MEP Billy Kelleher has also emerged as a contender.

Sinn Féin has indicated it will not make a decision until September.

The presidential election must be held by November 11th.