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In a stunning development, one of the main candidates in the Irish race for president has quit the campaign, dramatically altering the entire competition.

Sudden Exit Reconfigures Election Dynamics

The party's presidential hopeful stepped down on Sunday night following disclosures about an financial obligation to a past renter, transforming the race into an unpredictable direct competition between a center-right past cabinet member and an independent leftwing member of parliament.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who entered the campaign after professional experiences in sport, aviation and the military, withdrew after it emerged he had not repaid a overpaid rent of 3,300 euros when he was a landlord about 16 years ago, during a period of financial difficulty.

"I made a mistake that was inconsistent with my character and the principles I uphold. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he said. "I have also thought long and hard, about the potential impact of the current political contest on the wellbeing of my loved ones and companions.

"Taking all these considerations onboard, My decision is to step down from the campaign for president with immediate effect and go back to my family."

Contest Reduced to Primary Hopefuls

A major surprise in a presidential campaign in living memory narrowed the contest to Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister who is representing the governing moderate right Fine Gael party, and another candidate, an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights who is supported by Sinn Féin and left-leaning minor parties.

Crisis for Leadership

Gavin's exit also caused a problem for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, the party chief, who had risked his standing by choosing an untried candidate over the reservations of fellow members.

Martin said it was about not wanting to "create turmoil" to the presidency and was right to withdraw. "He acknowledged that he was at fault in relation to an issue that has come up lately."

Political Difficulties

Although known for capability and achievements in enterprise and sports – under his leadership Dublin's Gaelic football team to five straight titles – his political bid struggled through gaffes that left him trailing in an public opinion measure even prior to the financial revelation.

Party members who had objected to picking Gavin said the episode was a "significant mistake" that would have "repercussions" – a thinly veiled warning to Martin.

Election Rules

His name may still appear for selection in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will finish the long service of the current president, but the electorate now confronts a dichotomy between a traditional center candidate and an autonomous progressive. Opinion research conducted ahead of his departure gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and Humphreys 23%, with the former candidate at 15 percent.

As per election guidelines, voters select contenders based on preference. In case nobody reaches half the votes initially, the hopeful with the fewest initial choices is excluded and their support is passed to the next preference.

Potential Vote Transfers

Observers anticipated that in the event of his exclusion, the bulk of his support would shift to the other candidate, and conversely, increasing the likelihood that a mainstream contender would attain the presidency for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.

Presidential Duties

This office is a primarily ceremonial position but the current and former presidents made it a platform on global issues.

Remaining Candidates

Connolly, 68, from her home city, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that legacy. Connolly has attacked neoliberal economics and said the group represents "a fundamental element" of the people of Palestine. Connolly has alleged NATO of promoting military solutions and equated Germany's increased defence spending to the 1930s, when Germany underwent rearmament.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has faced scrutiny over her record as a minister in administrations that managed a property shortage. Being a member of that faith from the county Monaghan near the border, she has also been questioned about her lack of Irish language skills but said her Protestant heritage could help win over unionist community in a reunified nation.