McGregor leaves Cavan without seeking support of council or TDs
McGregor did not formally request council's support when in Cavan
CONOR McGregor has not sought the support of the members of Cavan County Council in his bid to become the next President of Ireland.
The mixed martial arts fighter was in both counties Cavan and Monaghan yesterday leading to speculation he was in the region to generate the support needed from the local authorities to launch a presidential election bid.
In order to be able to run for the office of President of Ireland, potential candidates like McGregor must receive the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or the backing of at least four local authorities — city or county councils.
When he was in Monaghan Town, Mr McGregor called into the constituency office of Fine Gael TD David Maxwell.
Deputy Maxwell, who worked alongside former Cavan-Monaghan TD and Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys for many years, told McGregor he was “backing Heather”.
Sinn Féin TD Cathy Bennett from Monaghan said Mr McGregor "called to my office but he didn't get in."
When the Dubliner moved on to Cavan where he visited a kickboxing club and also passed through Ballyjamesduff.
Wherever he went, a throng of people followed the famous fighter, and he obliged young people with selfies.
Whether Conor McGregor was planning to approach individual members of Cavan County Council to ask for their support in a presidential race is unclear but, as of today, he had not made any formal request for the local authority's support or for a meeting with its members.
Cavan-based Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith told the Celt Mr McGregor did not make any representations to him while in the Breifne County.
His party colleague, Niamh Smyth, was not in the county during McGregor's visit.
The council spokesperson said: “there has been no official communication from Mr. McGregor or his campaign with Cavan County Council. No meetings to hear from prospective Presidential candidates are currently planned.”