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In a stunning development, one of the primary candidates in the Irish presidential election has left the campaign, dramatically altering the political landscape.

Withdrawal Announcement Shakes Up Political Contest

The party's Jim Gavin pulled out on Sunday night following disclosures about an financial obligation to a past renter, converting the contest into an unpredictable head-to-head battle between a moderate right former government minister and an autonomous progressive member of parliament.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who joined the campaign after work 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 landlord about a decade and a half ago, during a period of monetary strain.

"It was my fault that was inconsistent with my character and the principles I uphold. I am currently resolving the issue," he said. "After careful consideration, concerning the influence of the ongoing campaign on the welfare of my relatives and acquaintances.

"Weighing all these factors, I've chosen to exit from the race for the presidency with immediate action and go back to my family."

Race Narrowed to Leading Candidates

The biggest shock in a political contest in recent history limited the options to one candidate, a past government official who is running for the ruling centre-right political party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an outspoken pro-Palestinian voice who is backed by Sinn Féin and small leftwing opposition parties.

Problem for Leader

The withdrawal also created turmoil for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, the party chief, who had staked his authority by nominating an inexperienced hopeful over the doubts of associates in the party.

He commented the candidate wished to avoid "bring controversy" to the office of president and was right to withdraw. "Jim has accepted that he was at fault in relation to an matter that has emerged recently."

Political Difficulties

Although known for competence and success in commerce and athletics – under his leadership the capital's GAA team to five consecutive championship victories – his political bid struggled through gaffes that put him at a disadvantage in an public opinion measure even ahead of the debt news.

Individuals within Fianna Fáil who had objected to picking the candidate said the situation was a "major error in judgment" that would have "ramifications" – a barely concealed caution to the leader.

Voting System

His name may remain on the ballot in the poll taking place in late October, which will end the 14-year tenure of the current president, but voters now face a binary choice between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an autonomous progressive. Opinion research conducted ahead of Gavin's exit gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and Humphreys 23%, with the former candidate at 15 percent.

As per election guidelines, the electorate chooses contenders based on preference. In case nobody reaches 50% on the first count, the candidate with the least primary selections is excluded and their support is passed to the subsequent choice.

Possible Ballot Shifts

It was expected that should Gavin be removed, the bulk of his support would shift to the other candidate, and the other way around, boosting the chance that a establishment hopeful would secure the presidency for the allied parties.

Role of the Presidency

The presidency is a mostly representative role but Higgins and his predecessors transformed it into a platform on global issues.

Surviving Hopefuls

Connolly, 68, from Galway, would introduce a robust progressive perspective to that heritage. She has assailed capitalist systems and stated the group represents "part of the fabric" of the Palestinian people. She has accused the alliance of warmongering and equated the country's raised military budget to the thirties, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

Humphreys, 62, has been subjected to review over her performance in government in cabinets that oversaw a accommodation problem. A Presbyterian from the county Monaghan near the border, she has also been criticised over her inability to speak Irish but commented her faith tradition could aid in securing loyalists in the North in a reunified nation.