"The Irish presidency is a largely symbolic, seven-year post but McGregor had vowed to curb immigration in order to shore up Irish culture and to give power back to the people. He had hoped to leverage his social media following which includes 10.7 million followers on X and the backing of Elon Musk and tacit support of Donald Trump to get on the ballot for the election on 24 October. Tucker Carlson and other far-right US commentators had also backed the former athlete."
"McGregor had faced an uphill battle to get on the ballot a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of parliament or four local authorities and said the process was fixed in favour of establishment candidates. He had been due to address several councils this week, along with other independent hopefuls, but analysts said the chances of winning any endorsements were slender."
Conor McGregor withdrew his candidacy for Ireland’s presidential election after consulting with his family, calling the nomination rules a straitjacket that blocked a true democratic contest. The presidency is largely symbolic and lasts seven years. McGregor pledged to curb immigration, defend Irish culture, and return power to the people, and sought to use his 10.7 million X followers and high-profile support to reach the ballot. He faced legal nomination thresholds requiring backing from 20 members of parliament or four local authorities and encountered low public and institutional support, with analysts deeming endorsements unlikely.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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