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With an unexpected announcement, one of the primary contenders in Ireland's race for president has withdrawn from the race, reshaping the political landscape.

Sudden Exit Transforms Political Contest

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin stepped down on Sunday night following reports about an financial obligation to a former tenant, transforming the election into an unpredictable two-horse race between a center-right ex-minister and an independent leftwing parliamentarian.

Gavin, 54, a inexperienced candidate who was parachuted into the campaign after professional experiences in sports, airline industry and defense, stepped aside after it came to light he had not repaid a rent overpayment of 3,300 euros when he was a lessor about in the mid-2000s, during a period of financial difficulty.

"It was my fault that was not in keeping with my character and the expectations I hold. Corrective actions are underway," he said. "After careful consideration, concerning the influence of the current political contest on the wellbeing of my loved ones and companions.

"After evaluating everything, I have decided to withdraw from the campaign for president with right away and go back to my family."

Race Narrowed to Primary Hopefuls

The most dramatic event in a political contest in living memory limited the options to one candidate, a ex-minister who is campaigning for the incumbent center-right party Fine Gael, and another candidate, an outspoken pro-Palestinian voice who is supported by Sinn Féin and left-leaning minor parties.

Crisis for Leadership

This departure also created turmoil for the leader of Fianna Fáil, the party chief, who had put his reputation on the line by selecting an inexperienced hopeful over the doubts of party colleagues.

Martin said the candidate wished to avoid "cause dispute" to the office of president and was correct to step down. "Gavin recognized that he committed a mistake in relation to an situation that has emerged recently."

Campaign Struggles

Even with a track record of skill and accomplishments in commerce and athletics – under his leadership the capital's GAA team to multiple successive wins – his election effort faltered through blunders that caused him to fall behind in an public opinion measure even before the unpaid debt disclosure.

Party members who had been against choosing the candidate said the situation was a "significant mistake" that would have "ramifications" – a thinly veiled warning to the leader.

Ballot Process

Gavin's name may still appear for selection in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will end the 14-year tenure of the current president, but the electorate now confronts a dichotomy between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an independent leftwinger. A poll taken before Gavin's exit gave Connolly a third of the vote and 23 percent for Humphreys, with Gavin on 15%.

As per election guidelines, people pick candidates in order of preference. If no candidate exceeds a majority in round one, the contender receiving the lowest first preference votes is excluded and their support is passed to the next preference.

Likely Support Redistribution

Analysts predicted that if Gavin was eliminated, a majority of his ballots would transfer to Humphreys, and the other way around, enhancing the possibility that a establishment hopeful would win the presidential office for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.

Function of the President

This office is a mostly representative role but Higgins and his predecessors made it a stage for international matters.

Final Contenders

The 68-year-old Connolly, from her home city, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that tradition. Connolly has attacked neoliberal economics and said the group represents "a fundamental element" of the people of Palestine. Connolly has alleged Nato of militarism and compared the country's raised military budget to the thirties, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

Humphreys, 62, has encountered examination over her record as a minister in administrations that managed a housing crisis. Being a member of that faith from the northern county, she has also been faulted for her lack of Irish language skills but said her Protestant heritage could assist in gaining unionist community in a reunified nation.