Conor McGregor calls for support of local councillors in run for presidency

Conor McGregor, who in July lost his appeal against a High Court jury’s finding that he assaulted Nikita Hand, has repeatedly indicated he wants to contest the upcoming election. File photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has called for local councillors to back him in his bid to run for president.

Mr McGregor, who in July lost his appeal against a High Court jury’s finding that he assaulted Nikita Hand, has repeatedly indicated he wants to contest the upcoming election.

However, it appears he does not have a route to the nomination. Any individual seeking to become president must receive the nomination of 20 Oireachtas members, or be backed by four local authorities.

Speaking outside Government Buildings in a post on Instagram, Mr McGregor criticised the Government for rising homelessness and “mass migration”, while describing himself as a “master of martial combat” and a “solutions driven man”.

In his post on Instagram, Mr McGregor said he would not sign any bill into law unless it “goes back to the people first”.

Constitutional rules allow for the President to refer legislation to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality. 

However, there are no provisions that the President can call a referendum to decide whether or not a law is passed.

“If you want to see my name on the ballot for the presidency, I urge you to contact your local county councillors today and ask them to nominate me,” Mr McGregor said.

“Our councillors are the backbone of our communities. They work harder and deliver more for the people than those in the Oireachtas, who continue to fail this country time and again.

If you are a councillor who feels your voice is ignored, your hands tied, and your community overlooked, then I ask you to stand with me. Nominate me, and I will give you the platform and power to be truly heard.

Mr McGregor called for people to reach out to local councillors and ask them to nominate him to appear before a council meeting.

Last month, the former MMA fighter called for a change in the nomination process, saying it was a “significant barrier to democratic participation".

He claimed: "This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate."

He called for the public to sign a petition to change the Constitution which would allow him to get on the ballot paper.