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In a stunning development, one of the primary candidates in Ireland's race for president has quit the campaign, reshaping the political landscape.

Withdrawal Announcement Transforms Election Dynamics

The party's presidential hopeful stepped down on Sunday night following revelations about an outstanding payment to a former tenant, transforming the election into an unpredictable direct competition between a centre-right ex-minister and an independent leftwing member of parliament.

The 54-year-old Gavin, a newcomer to politics who was parachuted into the election after work in athletics, flying and armed forces, withdrew after it was revealed he had failed to return a excess rental payment of €3,300 when he was a lessor about 16 years ago, during a period of economic hardship.

"I made a mistake that was not in keeping with who I am and the standards I set myself. Corrective actions are underway," he declared. "I have also thought long and hard, concerning the influence of the current political contest on the health of my family and friends.

"Weighing all these factors, I've chosen to exit from the campaign for president with immediate effect and go back to my family."

Contest Reduced to Leading Candidates

The most dramatic event in a presidential campaign in living memory reduced the field to one candidate, a ex-minister who is representing the ruling centre-right Fine Gael party, and another candidate, an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights who is endorsed by a political party and small leftwing opposition parties.

Problem for Leader

Gavin's exit also caused a problem for the prime minister and party head, the party chief, who had staked his authority by selecting an untried candidate over the doubts of associates in the party.

He commented Gavin did not want to "cause dispute" to the office of president and was justified in leaving. "Gavin recognized that he was at fault in relation to an matter that has come up lately."

Political Difficulties

Although known for capability and achievements in commerce and athletics – he guided the Dublin football squad to five consecutive championship victories – his election effort faltered through missteps that put him at a disadvantage in an public opinion measure even ahead of the debt news.

Party members who had opposed selecting the candidate said the episode was a "significant mistake" that would have "ramifications" – a barely concealed caution to the leader.

Election Rules

The candidate's name may still appear for selection in the election on 24 October, which will end the 14-year tenure of the current president, but people must choose between a dichotomy between a traditional center candidate and an independent leftwinger. A poll taken before his departure gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and 23 percent for Humphreys, with the former candidate at 15 percent.

According to voting regulations, people pick hopefuls by ranked choice. Should no contender surpass a majority in round one, the contender receiving the lowest primary selections is removed and their support is passed to the following option.

Likely Support Redistribution

It was expected that in the event of his exclusion, most of his votes would go to Humphreys, and vice versa, boosting the chance that a establishment hopeful would win the presidential office for the governing partnership.

Presidential Duties

The role of president is a largely symbolic post but Higgins and his predecessors made it a platform on global issues.

Remaining Candidates

The 68-year-old Connolly, from Galway, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that tradition. Connolly has attacked capitalist systems and said the organization constitutes "a fundamental element" of the Palestinian community. She has accused Nato of militarism and equated the country's raised military budget to the 1930s, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

Humphreys, 62, has encountered examination over her performance in government in cabinets that oversaw a property shortage. As a Protestant from the border county of Monaghan, she has also been faulted for her failure to speak Gaelic but said her Protestant heritage could assist in gaining unionist community in a united Ireland.