Calls have been made for Waterford City & County Council to refuse Conor McGregor the opportunity to seek the local authority’s backing in his bid to run in the upcoming presidential election.

The former MMA fighter is attempting to get onto the ballot paper in the race for Áras an Uachtaráin – as Ireland heads to the polls on Friday October 24th to name Michael D. Higgin’s successor.

Prospective candidates must have the backing of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas – TDs or Senators – or support from at least four local authorities.

Given his failure to secure the backing of those in Leinster House, McGregor’s attentions have now turned to trying to convince local authorities of his credibility.

Waterford City & County Council have announced that they will hold a special meeting for Presidential election nominees on Friday September 19th, where those seeking support will have the opportunity to make a five-minute presentation before elected representatives will have the opportunity to question them for a period of ten minutes afterward.

WLR News understands that 15 candidates have applied to be heard by the local authority, including McGregor.

Conor McGregor’s career has been increasingly overshadowed by controversy in recent years. The former UFC star has faced multiple legal issues, including arrests for assault and public order offences. His online outbursts have further fuelled negative attention. In November 2024, a High Court jury found him civilly liable of rape, awarding victim Nikita Hand damages of €248,600, with the Court of Appeal later upholding the verdict.

Metropolitan District Mayor, Councillor Adam Wyse (Fianna Fáil) has called on the local authority to not afford McGregor the opportunity to state his case for the presidency.

“As a councillor for Waterford, I want to make it absolutely clear that I do not believe Conor McGregor should be welcome in Waterfords council chamber”, said Cllr. Wyse.

“In my opinion, he should not even be considered for a presidential nomination. His record is one of violence, vulgarity and vanity, and the very idea of him as President is an insult to the Irish people”, added Cllr. Wyse

“The Presidency is meant to embody dignity, compassion and respect. McGregor offers only chaos, controversy and a circus. Allowing him to use our chamber as a platform would be a mistake. I am calling on my fellow councillors to join me in refusing him a hearing. He does not deserve a stage or a microphone, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Waterford does not lend legitimacy to his ambitions.”

WLR News has contacted Waterford City & County Council for comment in relation to the matter.

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