Conor McGregor Faces Criticism over Presidential Aspirations

Conor McGregor’s ambitions to secure a nomination for the upcoming presidential election in Ireland have drawn sharp criticism from Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael. Harris stated that McGregor has “a negligible chance” of receiving the necessary support from local councillors, whom he is urging to back his campaign.

During a visit to Britain on Friday, Harris articulated his disdain for McGregor, describing him as someone who “represents the very worst of us” and labeling him “a very bad person.” These comments come in the wake of McGregor’s previous legal troubles, including a civil court ruling that found him responsible for sexual assault. Harris emphasized, “Conor McGregor is a person who has been found responsible for rape in a civil court in Ireland. That’s a statement of fact.”

McGregor, a former mixed martial arts champion, is seeking nominations from local authorities, a requirement for running in the presidential election scheduled for next month. Candidates must obtain nominations from either 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities. Despite Harris’s dismissal of his candidacy, McGregor remains undeterred. He called Harris’s remarks an attempt to “smear” him and insisted that his campaign is resonating with the concerns of many Irish citizens.

“Mr. Harris knows full well my campaign is addressing the issues that resonate with most Irish people,” McGregor stated. He further criticized the Tánaiste’s tenure, asserting, “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 controversy surrounding McGregor is compounded by his legal history, which includes a €250,000 damages award to Nikita Hand after a jury found him liable for assaulting her in a Dublin hotel. Last year, he lost an appeal regarding this ruling, which stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 9, 2018.

In the broader context of the upcoming election, other potential candidates are also emerging. Former TD Marc MacSharry has been in contact with local councillors regarding a potential bid by musician and activist Bob Geldof. MacSharry, who established a consultancy after leaving politics, is gauging interest in a presidential run for Geldof, known for his role in Live Aid and as the frontman of the Boomtown Rats.

Some councillors, particularly in Kerry, have reported being contacted by MacSharry. They noted that the discussions were primarily exploratory, aimed at assessing support rather than actively campaigning for Geldof. One independent councillor, Charlie Farrelly, confirmed that MacSharry reached out but expressed his disinterest in supporting Geldof’s potential candidacy.

As the election approaches, the dynamics around candidacy are evolving. McGregor’s and Geldof’s respective paths highlight the diverse range of individuals seeking to enter the political arena, as well as the challenges they face in navigating public perception and legal hurdles.

Attempts to contact Geldof for comment have been unsuccessful, and it remains to be seen how the nomination process will unfold as more candidates emerge. The political landscape in Ireland is gearing up for a potentially contentious election, with candidates emphasizing their platforms in a bid for public support.