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In a surprising turn of events, one of the leading contenders in Ireland's election for president has quit the campaign, dramatically altering the entire competition.

Withdrawal Announcement Shakes Up Political Contest

The party's Jim Gavin pulled out on Sunday night following reports about an outstanding payment to a previous occupant, transforming the race into an volatile two-horse race between a centre-right former government minister and an autonomous progressive legislator.

The 54-year-old Gavin, a newcomer to politics who was parachuted into the campaign after work in sports, airline industry and defense, quit after it was revealed he had not repaid a overpaid rent of €3,300 when he was a landlord about a decade and a half ago, during a period of economic hardship.

"It was my fault that was inconsistent with my character and the expectations I hold. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he said. "After careful consideration, about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the wellbeing of my loved ones and companions.

"Weighing all these factors, My decision is to step down from the campaign for president with immediate action and return to the arms of my family."

Race Narrowed to Primary Hopefuls

A major surprise in a political contest in modern times limited the options to Heather Humphreys, a past government official who is representing the incumbent center-right political party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an frank supporter of Palestinian rights who is supported by Sinn Féin and left-leaning minor parties.

Crisis for Leadership

The withdrawal also caused a problem for the prime minister and party head, the party chief, who had risked his standing by selecting an unproven contender over the skepticism of fellow members.

The leader stated it was about not wanting to "bring controversy" to the presidency and was justified in leaving. "He acknowledged that he was at fault in relation to an situation that has arisen in recent days."

Election Challenges

Even with a track record of skill and accomplishments in commerce and athletics – Gavin had steered the Dublin football squad to multiple successive wins – his election effort faltered through missteps that left him trailing in an public opinion measure even prior to the financial revelation.

Fianna Fáil figures who had objected to picking Gavin said the fiasco was a "significant mistake" that would have "repercussions" – a barely concealed caution to the leader.

Ballot Process

Gavin's name may stay on the voting paper in the poll taking place in late October, which will end the 14-year tenure of President Higgins, but people must choose between a two options between a centrist establishment candidate and an independent leftwinger. A poll taken before Gavin's exit gave Connolly 32% support and 23 percent for Humphreys, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.

Under electoral rules, people pick candidates in order of preference. Should no contender surpass half the votes initially, the contender receiving the lowest primary selections is removed and their support is passed to the subsequent choice.

Likely Support Redistribution

Observers anticipated that if Gavin was eliminated, a majority of his ballots would go to Humphreys, and the other way around, boosting the chance that a pro-government candidate would attain the presidency for the allied parties.

Role of the Presidency

The role of president is a largely symbolic post but Higgins and his predecessors made it a stage for international matters.

Surviving Hopefuls

Connolly, 68, from Galway, would add a firm left-leaning stance to that tradition. She has criticized capitalist systems and remarked Hamas is "part of the fabric" of the people of Palestine. Connolly has alleged NATO of promoting military solutions and equated Germany's increased defence spending to the pre-war era, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has been subjected to review over her performance in government in administrations that managed a accommodation problem. Being a member of that faith from the northern county, she has also been faulted for her failure to speak Gaelic but commented her Protestant heritage could aid in securing loyalists in the North in a united Ireland.