Conor McGregor launched a petition to be on the Irish Presidential ballot without nominations from other politicians Monday, according to a post online.
The mixed martial arts fighter released the petition on change.org, asking Irish citizens and the Irish diaspora to sign it for the modification of the nomination process and allow McGregor’s name to be on the ballot. His verified X account announced the petition in a post Monday. (RELATED: Conor McGregor Appears To Be Caught On Camera Tossing Punches In Public Fight)
“The existing regulations mandate that a candidate must secure nominations from either twenty members of the Oireachtas or four county councils to be eligible for the ballot,” McGregor said in a statement. “This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate.”
The current constitution requires Irish presidential candidates to be nominated via three methods, according to Ireland’s electoral commission. They can be put forward “by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas,” similar to senators, or “by at least four local authorities” such as city councils. Previous presidents or those finishing their terms may put their names forward directly.
“I contend that the citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot,” McGregor said. “Your support will be instrumental in championing a more inclusive and democratic electoral process, thereby empowering the people of Ireland to shape their own future.”
Over 3,000 people have signed the petition at the time of publication.
McGregor announced his presidential campaign in March 2025 over concerns about mass migration and the European Union’s Pact on Migration and Asylum. He also visited the White House on St. Patrick’s Day.
The fighter recently made the news when an Irish court of appeal threw out his appeal in a civil sexual assault case on Thursday.
