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In a stunning development, one of the leading candidates in the Irish race for president has withdrawn from the contest, dramatically altering the political landscape.

Sudden Exit Transforms Campaign Landscape

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin pulled out on the evening of Sunday following reports about an unpaid debt to a former tenant, transforming the election into an uncertain direct competition between a centre-right past cabinet member and an autonomous progressive legislator.

Gavin, 54, a inexperienced candidate who entered the election after careers in sport, aviation and the military, stepped aside after it came to light he had not repaid a overpaid rent of 3,300 euros when he was a lessor about in the mid-2000s, during a period of economic hardship.

"I made a mistake that was contrary to who I am and the principles I uphold. I am currently resolving the issue," he said. "Reflecting deeply, regarding the possible effects of the continuing election battle on the welfare of my family and friends.

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

Race Narrowed to Two Main Contenders

The biggest shock in a presidential campaign in modern times reduced the field to Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister who is representing the governing moderate right Fine Gael party, and Catherine Connolly, an frank advocate for Palestine who is supported by a political party and small leftwing opposition parties.

Crisis for Leadership

The withdrawal also triggered a crisis for the prime minister and party head, the party chief, who had staked his authority by nominating an inexperienced hopeful over the doubts of associates in the party.

He commented Gavin did not want to "cause dispute" to the presidential role and was right to withdraw. "Gavin recognized that he committed a mistake in relation to an issue that has arisen in recent days."

Campaign Struggles

Although known for capability and achievements in business and sport – under his leadership Dublin's Gaelic football team to multiple successive wins – his campaign had stumbled through blunders that put him at a disadvantage in an survey even ahead of the debt news.

Fianna Fáil figures who had objected to picking the candidate said the episode was a "significant mistake" that would have "consequences" – a barely concealed caution to Martin.

Election Rules

His name may still appear for selection in the poll taking place in late October, which will finish the long service of the current president, but voters now face a two options between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an independent leftwinger. Survey results prior to his departure gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and 23 percent for Humphreys, with the former candidate at 15 percent.

As per election guidelines, people pick candidates in order of preference. In case nobody reaches 50% on the first count, the hopeful with the fewest primary selections is removed and their votes are transferred to the next preference.

Possible Ballot Shifts

It was expected that if Gavin was eliminated, a majority of his ballots would shift to the other candidate, and vice versa, increasing the likelihood that a mainstream contender would attain the presidency for the governing partnership.

Presidential Duties

The role of president is a primarily ceremonial position but incumbents and past holders turned it into a stage for international matters.

Surviving Hopefuls

The 68-year-old Connolly, from her home city, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that tradition. She has criticized free-market policies and stated the group represents "a fundamental element" of the Palestinian people. She has accused Nato of militarism and compared the country's raised military budget to the pre-war era, when Germany underwent rearmament.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has encountered examination over her performance in government in governments that presided over a housing crisis. Being a member of that faith from the county Monaghan near the border, she has also been criticised over her failure to speak Gaelic but commented her faith tradition could help win over Northern Ireland's unionists in a combined country.