Simon Harris Critiques Conor McGregor’s Presidential Aspirations

Conor McGregor’s ambitions to secure a nomination for the upcoming presidential election in Ireland have been met with strong criticism from Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and leader of the Fine Gael party. During a visit to Britain on October 13, 2023, Harris stated that McGregor has “a negligible chance” of obtaining the necessary nominations to appear on the ballot, emphasizing the mixed martial arts champion’s controversial past.

McGregor, who aims to gain support from county councillors for his presidential bid, has faced significant backlash following a civil court ruling last year. He was found liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel and ordered to pay her €250,000 in damages. On Thursday, he called on his supporters to lobby local councillors, as securing backing from four local authorities is essential for his nomination.

Harris did not hold back in his condemnation of McGregor. “Conor McGregor represents the very worst of us,” he remarked, adding that he does not embody the qualities that the majority of Irish citizens would wish to see in a president. “He certainly doesn’t represent what a majority of people, in my view, would like to see embodied in a president of Ireland,” Harris said, reiterating the need for a clear and transparent nomination process established by the Irish Constitution.

In response, McGregor countered Harris’s claims, asserting that the Tánaiste was attempting to “smear” him by referencing the civil trial. He defended his campaign, stating it addresses issues that resonate with many Irish citizens. “He’s completely out of touch and will be remembered as a failed leader,” McGregor stated, suggesting that Harris should resign due to his track record of broken promises.

The upcoming presidential election, scheduled for November 2023, requires candidates to secure nominations from either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. While McGregor’s path appears challenging, the political landscape is also seeing interest from other potential candidates.

Former TD Marc MacSharry has been exploring support for musician and activist Bob Geldof in his own potential presidential bid. MacSharry, who established a consultancy after leaving politics, has been contacting councillors to gauge interest in Geldof’s candidacy. Some councillors in Kerry have reported being approached by MacSharry regarding their willingness to support Geldof.

Although Geldof has not formally announced his candidacy, discussions have emerged following his meeting with Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach, where the possibility of his nomination was discussed. Martin, who is advocating for former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin as the Fianna Fáil candidate, indicated he would not support Geldof’s nomination.

Independent candidates, including businessman Gareth Sheridan and former solicitor Nick Delehanty, are also expected to present their cases to the Kerry County Council on October 16, 2023. While Geldof’s name has surfaced in connection with the presidency, he has not yet been confirmed as a candidate seeking council support.

As the nomination process unfolds, McGregor’s controversial campaign continues to capture attention, while other figures like Geldof and Sheridan seek to carve their own paths in the political arena. The upcoming months will reveal how these dynamics play out in what promises to be a competitive election season.