McGREGOR TAPS OUT

Shamed UFC star knocks himself out of presidency race; Quit hours before planned grilling from female councillors

- CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

CONOR McGregor dramatically abandoned his presidential campaign yesterday, hours before he was set to face a grilling from female Dublin city councillors.

The UFC fighter announced yesterday morning that he will no longer be seeking support from local councils to get on the ballot.

In a social media statement he said that after consulting with his family he decided to withdraw.

McGregor said yesterday: "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.

"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."