Of Ireland’s 949 councillors, who were surveyed by The Irish Times, 188 or 20 per cent responded. All stated they would not support a McGregor candidacy, with the exception of Sligo Fianna Fáil councillor Dónal Gilroy, who said it is too early to say how he would vote.

Conor McGregor does not have a UFC return in his sights after reiterating his desire for a career in Irish politics. McGregor, 36, embarked on a much-publicised visit to the White House on St Patrick’s Day to air grievances over immigration in Ireland, pleading for help from the US.