Councils poll-axe McGregor

Nominations not issued ...despite fighter's claims, Taoiseach confirms Bob was looking for party nod

- CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

NONE of Ireland's 31 local councils have issued a nomination for any presidential candidate despite claims by Conor McGregor that he has “councils on board” for an Aras run.

All 31 local authorities across the island have told this newspaper they did not hold the special meetings required to issue such a nomination, as it was not permitted until the October 24 date was set for the election on Tuesday.

Fifteen of the councils also confirmed they have not received any correspondence from McGregor, while the remainder refused to comment.

Last week, McGregor claimed he had secured the support of local councils, TDs and senators to run for the Aras.

Candidates for the presidency must be nominated by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four of Ireland's 31 local councils.

Taking to X, McGregor said: “I have it secured. I have councils on board. TDs. Senators. I even have the most prestigious party of them all.”

This newspaper asked all 31 councils if they had received contact from McGregor seeking their nomination for the presidency.

Fifteen councils said they haven't and 16 wouldn't confirm or deny whether McGregor reached out.