McGregor withdraws from Presidential election race

MMA fighter Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the Presidential election race.

McGregor had previously indicated his intention to contest the election. However, in a post on X today, he said: "Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race."

"This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time," he said.

He said: "This campaign has sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people. That conversation will not end with my withdrawal.

He said this would not be his last election.

His withdrawal comes ahead of a spate of county council meetings today across the country, at which candidates seeking nominations from local authorities are expected to attend.

Candidates require the backing of either 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities to contest the election, to take place on Friday, October 24.