Conor McGregor writes to Roscommon County Council seeking support for presidential bid

Former UFC star Conor McGregor has written to Roscommon County Council CEO Shane Tiernan seeking support from the local authority for his presidential election bid.

In his letter, the controversial figure is seeking a nomination from the council.

McGregor said in his letter that he believes “now is the time for a truly independent, people-first voice to enter Áras an Uachtaráin-one that reflects the values, struggles, and aspirations of ordinary Irish citizens”.

For McGregor to secure a nomination through local authorities, he needs to get the support of four of the State’s 31 councils.

It’s understood that the council’s corporate policy group will meet on Monday to fix a date for a special meeting this month to hear from prospective presidential candidates.

Last year, McGregor was ordered to pay Nikita Hand €250,000 damages after a High Court jury found he had assaulted her in a Dublin hotel.

In July, McGregor lost his appeal against the jury finding in favour of Ms Hand, who sued him for alleged rape at the Beacon hotel on December 9th, 2018.

The full text of his letter to Roscommon County Council is as follows:

Dear Shane Tiernan 

Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council 

I am writing to formally seek the nomination of Roscommon County Council to stand as a candidate in the upcoming Presidential election. I believe now is the time for a truly independent, people-first voice to enter Áras an Uachtaráin-one that reflects the values, struggles, and aspirations of ordinary Irish citizens.

The purpose of my Presidential campaign is to give power back to the people of Ireland and to represent Irelands citizens independently. As President, I will act as a representative of the Irish people by safeguarding and advancing their interests, exercising my constitutional authority under Articles 12 to 14 of the Constitution of Ireland to restore political power to the Irish citizenry. This will be achieved through collaboration with the people of Ireland and Dáil Éireann to initiate constitutional amendments, enacted through public referendums, to return authority to the nation's citizens. The Irish state will once again operate under direct democracy.

I have had the honour of representing Ireland on the world stage as an athlete, carrying our flag with pride and passion. Away from sport, I have invested deeply in this country's future by building businesses that employ Irish workers and contribute to our economy. Over the years, I have directly helped create thousands of jobs, demonstrating not only my commitment to Ireland's prosperity but also my ability to deliver real results.

With working-class roots, I understand the daily challenges facing families, workers, and small business owners. I come not from a political dynasty, but from the communities too often unheard in the corridors of power. I am deeply patriotic, and I believe the Presidency should be held by someone who knows what it means to build, serve, and represent Ireland from the ground up.

My online following allows me to channel a wide and diverse cross-section of Irish society— particularly younger generations who are increasingly disengaged from establishment politics. This reach would allow the Presidency under my tenure to be more visible, more relevant, and more inclusive than ever before.

I ask for your support in helping secure my nomination so that the Irish people may be given a real choice - one that is not confined to candidates from the traditional political establishment. A nomination is not an endorsement of my campaign, but a stand for democracy, fairness, and representation.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you in person or by phone at your convenience. Thank you for considering my request, and for your continued service to our country.

An donas amach is an sonas isteach.

Is mise le meas, 

Conor McGregor