Conor McGregor Faces Criticism Over Presidential Nomination Bid

Former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor has encountered strong opposition regarding his attempt to secure a presidential nomination in Ireland. Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and leader of the Fine Gael party, publicly stated that McGregor has “a negligible chance” of obtaining the necessary support for his candidacy.

During a visit to Britain on March 15, 2024, Harris criticized McGregor, asserting that he “represents the very worst of us” and described him as “a very bad person.” This condemnation follows McGregor’s call for his online supporters to lobby county councillors for nominations, which are essential for his ballot eligibility. To qualify for the presidential election, candidates must obtain nominations from either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

Harris emphasized the importance of the nomination process, stating, “We live in a democracy. We have a nomination process that’s clear, that’s transparent, that’s set out in our Constitution.” He further remarked, “I believe the chances of him getting one are negligible,” referring to McGregor’s controversial past.

In response, McGregor defended his campaign, arguing that it addresses issues that resonate with the majority of the Irish populace. He accused Harris of attempting to “smear” him by mentioning a civil trial where he was found liable for an assault against Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel. McGregor stated, “He’s completely out of touch and will be remembered as a failed leader. He must resign, and when I take the presidency, I’ll ensure accountability.”

The civil case, which concluded in 2023, resulted in McGregor being ordered to pay Hand €250,000 in damages after a jury found him responsible for the assault, which occurred on December 9, 2018. In July 2023, he lost his appeal against the jury’s decision.

As the presidential election approaches, other potential candidates are also emerging. Former TD Marc MacSharry has been reaching out to councillors about supporting musician and activist Bob Geldof. While Geldof has not formally announced a candidacy, he has engaged in discussions with Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach, regarding his interest.

MacSharry’s outreach to councillors has been described as an effort to gauge interest in Geldof’s potential bid, rather than actively campaigning for him. Some councillors in Kerry confirmed they were contacted by MacSharry, who inquired about their support for Geldof. One councillor stated, “I was never asked to nominate or support him.”

The dynamic political landscape in Ireland is further complicated by the presence of independent candidates. Businessman Gareth Sheridan and former solicitor Nick Delehanty are among those expected to present their cases to the Kerry County Council. Although Geldof has not yet appeared on the list of individuals seeking to address councillors, his discussions with Martin suggest that his interest in the presidency is being taken seriously.

As McGregor continues to push for a nomination, the upcoming election will reveal whether his controversial past will hinder his aspirations or resonate with a segment of the electorate seeking change.