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In a surprising turn of events, a key leading candidates in Ireland's race for president has left the race, dramatically altering the election dynamics.

Withdrawal Announcement Transforms Political Contest

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin stepped down on the evening of Sunday following disclosures about an unpaid debt to a former tenant, turning the contest into an uncertain direct competition between a center-right past cabinet member and an independent leftwing parliamentarian.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who joined the race after work in athletics, flying and armed forces, stepped aside after it was revealed he had neglected to refund a excess rental payment of €3,300 when he was a landlord about 16 years ago, during a period of monetary strain.

"It was my fault that was inconsistent with who I am and the principles I uphold. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he declared. "I have also thought long and hard, about the potential impact of the current political contest on the wellbeing of my relatives and acquaintances.

"Weighing all these factors, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate effect and return to the arms of my family."

Contest Reduced to Leading Candidates

The biggest shock in a political contest in recent history reduced the field to one candidate, a past government official who is representing the governing moderate right party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an outspoken advocate for Palestine who is endorsed by a political party and minor progressive groups.

Crisis for Leadership

Gavin's exit also caused a problem for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, the party chief, who had put his reputation on the line by nominating an untried candidate over the reservations of associates in the party.

He commented it was about not wanting to "bring controversy" to the presidency and was correct to step down. "Jim has accepted that he committed a mistake in relation to an situation that has emerged recently."

Political Difficulties

Even with a track record of capability and achievements in enterprise and sports – Gavin had steered Dublin's Gaelic football team to five straight titles – his campaign had stumbled through gaffes that put him at a disadvantage in an public opinion measure even ahead of the debt news.

Party members who had objected to picking Gavin said the fiasco was a "major error in judgment" that would have "consequences" – a implied threat to the leader.

Voting System

The candidate's name may still appear for selection in the poll taking place in late October, which will end the 14-year tenure of Michael D Higgins, but people must choose between a two options between a centrist establishment candidate and an non-aligned left-leaning candidate. A poll taken before the withdrawal gave Connolly 32% support and Humphreys 23%, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.

According to voting regulations, the electorate chooses contenders based on preference. If no candidate exceeds a majority in round one, the contender receiving the lowest first preference votes is removed and their support is passed to the following option.

Likely Support Redistribution

Observers anticipated that in the event of his exclusion, a majority of his ballots would go to Humphreys, and conversely, increasing the likelihood that a pro-government candidate would secure the presidency for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.

Function of the President

The presidency is a largely symbolic post but the current and former presidents transformed it into a stage for international matters.

Surviving Hopefuls

Connolly, 68, from her home city, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that tradition. Connolly has attacked free-market policies and said the organization constitutes "an integral component" of the Palestinian people. Connolly has alleged NATO of promoting military solutions and compared Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the thirties, when Adolf Hitler rearmed the country.

Humphreys, 62, has been subjected to review over her time in office in administrations that managed a accommodation problem. A Presbyterian from the northern county, she has also been faulted for her inability to speak Irish but said her faith tradition could help win over unionist community in a united Ireland.