Conor McGregor’s Presidential Ambitions Face Strong Opposition

Former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor is facing significant pushback in his attempt to secure a presidential nomination for next month’s election in Ireland. Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and leader of the Fine Gael party, has publicly declared that McGregor has a “negligible chance” of receiving the necessary support from local councillors.

During a press event in Britain on March 15, 2024, Harris criticized McGregor, stating, “Conor McGregor represents the very worst of us” and described him as “a very bad person.” This remark followed McGregor’s announcement of his intention to seek a nomination from county councillors, a requirement that involves securing backing from four local authorities or 20 members of the Oireachtas.

McGregor’s campaign is reportedly focused on issues that he believes resonate with the Irish public. In response to Harris’s comments, he stated, “He knows full well my campaign is addressing the issues that resonate with most Irish people.” He further accused Harris of attempting to “smear” him by referencing his past civil case regarding sexual assault, where he was found responsible and ordered to pay €250,000 in damages to Nikita Hand.

The civil case stemmed from an incident at the Beacon hotel on December 9, 2018, and McGregor lost his appeal against the jury’s decision in July 2023. Harris emphasized the importance of the democratic nomination process, asserting, “We live in a democracy. We have a nomination process that’s clear, that’s transparent, that’s set out in our Constitution and anybody’s entitled to seek a nomination.”

As McGregor pursues his presidential ambitions, other potential candidates are also emerging. Former TD Marc MacSharry has been reaching out to councillors to gauge interest in a possible bid for the presidency by musician and activist Bob Geldof. MacSharry, who established a consultancy firm called Pontis Advisory Ltd. after exiting politics, has been surveying local representatives about their willingness to support Geldof.

While some councillors from Kerry have confirmed contact with MacSharry regarding Geldof’s potential candidacy, the discussions appear to be more exploratory than supportive. One councillor remarked, “I was never asked to nominate or support him [Mr. Geldof].”

Despite the speculation surrounding Geldof, he has not officially announced his candidacy. His discussions with Taoiseach Micheál Martin last week suggested a desire to enter the race, but Martin indicated he would not be in a position to nominate him.

As the nomination deadline approaches, McGregor’s campaign strategy and the political landscape remain dynamic. The next few weeks will undoubtedly reveal how support from local authorities will shape the upcoming election, with McGregor’s controversial past continuing to loom over his presidential aspirations.