Conor McGregor‘s brief but bold foray into Irish politics has come to an unexpected halt. The former UFC champion, known for his fiery personality inside the cage, has declared that he will withdraw from the 2025 presidential campaign following “careful reflection” and consultations with his family.
His announcement has surely sparked conversations online. Not only because of his fame and high interest in politics, but also because of the concerns he voiced about Ireland’s political system and the grassroots support he received in a matter of weeks. ‘The Notorious’ explained his decision in detail in a letter posted on X.
He accused Ireland’s political establishment of using obsolete constitutional restrictions to prevent true democratic competition, ensuring that only approved candidates appear on the ballot. The Irishman framed his campaign as a struggle for the “forgotten Irish” who have been left out of mainstream politics.
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Conor McGregor also claimed that his candidacy exposed a “democratic deficit” in how presidential elections are contested. Despite his withdrawal, he reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Ireland’s interests both domestically and internationally. The most telling portion of McGregor’s letter was when he acknowledged the immense support he had gotten from ordinary individuals across the island.
He appreciated the visible movement of Irish patriots fighting to preserve their heritage and cultural identity and framed his trip to New York to meet with the US administration as part of efforts to bring jobs and opportunities to Ireland. His portrayal of politics as a struggle against elite-controlled narratives struck a chord with many Irish citizens who felt marginalized by the country’s political system.
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However, Conor McGregor made it clear that his political ambitions do not end here. “This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey,” he said, promising to continue utilizing his international platform to advocate for Ireland’s social and economic goals. ‘The Notorious’ also committed to push for transparency and democratic reform, noting that the debate over who gets to run for government and how elections are conducted should not end with his departure.