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Conor McGregor has announced that he is withdrawing his candidacy for the upcoming Irish presidential race.
Former UFC champion McGregor had recently been actively seeking nominations from local authorities to appear on the ballot for the election but has struggled to receive the backing of councils.
In a lengthy post on social media, the 37-year-old confirmed his decision to pull out of the run to succeed Michael D. Higgins as Uachtaráin.
"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," McGregor wrote on X.
"While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here. I will continue to serve my people by using my international platform to promote Irish interests abroad, to strengthen our economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home."
Over the weekend, McGregor took aim at Taoiseach Micheal Martin in a furious online diatribe.
Presidential candidates in Ireland must be over the age of 35 and nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.
In this morning's statement, the Dubliner also hit out at "establishment woke politics" and "fake news" as he slammed the system by which Irish presidents are nominated, though he vowed to return to politics in the future and insisted his canvassing will not stop.
McGregor also claimed that the "current has changed" and celebrated the support he believes he earned from many in recent months.
He continued: "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. The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back.
"My first venture into politics, and although I have chosen to withdraw this round, meaningful progress has been made. I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election. You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation. This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey.
"I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity. I will continue to serve my people on the global stage lobbying for Ireland's best interest's socially and economically - of that there is no doubt. This is a marathon. Not a sprint! Ar aghaidh linn le Chéile! Is mise le dhea mheas, i gcónaí agus go deo."
Ahead of the election on October 24, Fine Gael has put forward Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fail has endorsed former Dublin GAA boss Jim Gavin, while Independent Catherine Connolly is also seeing plenty of support elsewhere.
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