Conor McGregor Withdraws Presidential Bid Amid Family and Personal Reflection

Conor McGregor Ends Bid to Be Irish President DUBLIN, Ireland - Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has withdrawn his bid to run in next month's Irish presidential election, citing "careful reflection" and family consultation. McGregor, 37, had been seeking nominations from local authorities to secure a spot on the ballot for the October 24 election. However, he announced his decision to withdraw via social media on Monday, just hours before scheduled meetings with Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council. "This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time," McGregor said in a statement. "I have given careful consideration to my bid for the presidency and have decided that I will not be pursuing it further." McGregor's withdrawal leaves three candidates still in the running: incumbent President Michael D. Higgins, who has secured the backing of Irish lawmakers; Peter Casey, a businessman who ran against Higgins in 2018; and Saoirse McHugh, an environmental activist. To run for president, a candidate must be an Irish citizen aged 35 or older and secure the endorsement of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) or four local authorities. McGregor had been seeking nominations from local councils to meet this requirement. McGregor's decision to withdraw his bid has sparked mixed reactions among supporters and critics alike. Some have expressed disappointment, while others see it as a pragmatic move given the challenges of securing enough endorsements. "This is a wise decision by Conor," said Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, who had been considering supporting McGregor's candidacy. "He would have faced significant hurdles in securing the necessary nominations, and his withdrawal will allow him to focus on other pursuits." Others have questioned whether McGregor was ever truly serious about running for president. "Conor's bid was always a long shot," said Dr. Gary Murphy, a politics lecturer at Dublin City University. "While he has a strong following among young people, his lack of experience in politics and governance made it difficult to see him as a viable candidate." The Irish presidential election is set to take place on October 24, with the winner serving a seven-year term. McGregor's decision to withdraw from the race leaves the field open for other potential candidates. The deadline for nominations has been extended until September 28, and several individuals have expressed interest in running. As the election season heats up, voters will be watching closely to see who emerges as the next leader of Ireland. *Reporting by Bbc.*