🔗 Share this article Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin Withdraws from Irish Election Campaign In a stunning development, one of the leading hopefuls in the Irish election for president has withdrawn from the race, reshaping the political landscape. Sudden Exit Transforms Political Contest The party's Jim Gavin stepped down on the evening of Sunday following reports about an unpaid debt to a previous occupant, turning the contest into an unpredictable head-to-head battle between a moderate right former government minister and an non-aligned left-leaning parliamentarian. Gavin, 54, a inexperienced candidate who entered the race after professional experiences in athletics, flying and armed forces, withdrew after it came to light he had not repaid a excess rental payment of 3,300 euros when he was a landlord about a decade and a half ago, during a period of financial difficulty. "It was my fault that was inconsistent with who I am and the standards I set myself. Corrective actions are underway," he said. "After careful consideration, concerning the influence of the continuing election battle on the welfare of my loved ones and companions. "After evaluating everything, I have decided to withdraw from the race for the presidency with right away and go back to my family." Contest Reduced to Two Main Contenders The most dramatic event in a presidential campaign in living memory reduced the field to one candidate, a former cabinet minister who is running for the governing moderate right political party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an frank supporter of Palestinian rights who is backed by Sinn Féin and small leftwing opposition parties. Problem for Leader Gavin's exit also triggered a crisis for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, who had staked his authority by nominating an untried candidate over the doubts of associates in the party. He commented it was about not wanting to "cause dispute" to the presidential role and was correct to step down. "Jim has accepted that he committed a mistake in relation to an situation that has come up lately." Election Challenges Although known for skill and accomplishments in commerce and athletics – Gavin had steered Dublin's Gaelic football team to five straight titles – his campaign had stumbled through blunders that left him trailing in an public opinion measure even prior to the financial revelation. Individuals within Fianna Fáil who had objected to picking the candidate said the situation was a "significant mistake" that would have "ramifications" – a implied threat to the leader. Election Rules His name may remain on the ballot in the poll taking place in late October, which will end the 14-year tenure of President Higgins, but the electorate now confronts a two options between a traditional center candidate and an autonomous progressive. Opinion research conducted ahead of his departure gave Connolly a third of the vote and 23 percent for Humphreys, with the former candidate at 15 percent. According to voting regulations, voters select hopefuls by ranked choice. In case nobody reaches 50% on the first count, the candidate with the least initial choices is excluded and their support is passed to the following option. Potential Vote Transfers Analysts predicted that in the event of his exclusion, most of his votes would transfer to Humphreys, and conversely, increasing the likelihood that a mainstream contender would attain the presidency for the allied parties. Function of the President This office is a primarily ceremonial position but the current and former presidents turned it into a venue for worldwide concerns. Final Contenders Connolly, 68, from her home city, would add a firm left-leaning stance to that tradition. She has assailed neoliberal economics and said Hamas is "an integral component" of the Palestinian people. Connolly has alleged NATO of promoting military solutions and likened Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the thirties, when Germany underwent rearmament. Humphreys, 62, has been subjected to review over her performance in government in administrations that managed a accommodation problem. As a Protestant from the border county of Monaghan, she has also been faulted for her lack of Irish language skills but said her religious background could aid in securing unionist community in a united Ireland.