Conor McGregor says he’ll travel to Leitrim to win council’s backing for presidency

Conor McGregor has written to Leitrim County Council to say he intends to travel later this month to make his case for a presidential nomination.

The 31 local authorities across Ireland are due to hold meetings in the coming weeks to decide whether to put forward candidates. Each council will hear from up to a dozen hopefuls before making its decision. Leitrim County Council has set September 22nd as the date to hear from potential candidates. The council consists of five Independents, four Sinn Féin members, six Fianna Fáil and three Fine Gael.

Leitrim councillor Paddy O’Rourke questioned McGregor’s chances locally, suggesting the fighter may be targeting smaller councils but warning that councils with more independents could prove more decisive.

“Some councils have 40 councillors, smaller councils probably appeal to him in that regard but in Leitrim we have fewer independents and more party-loyal councillors,” he said. "But if one independent proposed him and another seconded him, and the rest abstained, he could technically get through by default. That may be what he’s hoping for — to swing it on a technicality in a smaller council. But it’s still a long shot, and he hasn’t got much time.”

Asked if he personally could be swayed, O’Rourke was blunt: “I wouldn’t be inclined to support him. Apart from his behaviour in the courts, his whole demeanour doesn’t appeal to me. I’d be fearful it would take him a very long time to understand what the role of President really involves.”

McGregor’s request ensures a lively session when Leitrim councillors convene later this month — but whether the fighter can secure a proposer and seconder, let alone the backing of the chamber, remains to be seen.

The UFC star, who needs the support of four local authorities to get his name on the ballot for the October 24th election, has already written to councillors in Leitrim and Roscommon.

In a statement to accompany his request, McGregor said: “As President, I will not sign any bill in law until it goes back to the people first! If you want to see my name on the ballot for the Presidency, I urge you to contact your local county councillors today and ask them to nominate me. Our councillors are the backbone of our communities. They work harder and deliver more for the people than those in the Oireachtas, who continue to fail this country time and again. If you are a councillor who feels your voice is ignored, your hands tied, and your community overlooked, then I ask you to stand with me. Nominate me, and I will give you the platform and power to be truly heard."

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