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In a surprising turn of events, a key main candidates in Ireland's election for president has quit the campaign, dramatically altering the entire competition.

Sudden Exit Shakes Up Political Contest

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin withdrew on Sunday night following disclosures about an outstanding payment to a past renter, converting the contest into an unpredictable two-horse race between a center-right past cabinet member and an independent leftwing parliamentarian.

The 54-year-old Gavin, a inexperienced candidate who was parachuted into the race after careers in athletics, flying and armed forces, stepped aside after it came to light he had neglected to refund a overpaid rent of over three thousand euros when he was a landlord about in the mid-2000s, during a period of monetary strain.

"I made a mistake that was not in keeping with my values and the principles I uphold. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he declared. "After careful consideration, about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the health of my loved ones and companions.

"Taking all these considerations onboard, I have decided to withdraw from the campaign for president with immediate action and rejoin my loved ones."

Race Narrowed to Two Main Contenders

The most dramatic event in a political contest in living memory limited the options to Heather Humphreys, a ex-minister who is campaigning for the ruling centre-right party Fine Gael, and another candidate, an outspoken pro-Palestinian voice who is supported by Sinn Féin and small leftwing opposition parties.

Problem for Leader

This departure also triggered a crisis for the leader of Fianna Fáil, the party chief, who had put his reputation on the line by choosing an unproven contender over the skepticism of associates in the party.

He commented Gavin did not want to "bring controversy" to the presidency and was correct to step down. "Jim has accepted that he made an error in relation to an situation that has come up lately."

Campaign Struggles

Although known for competence and success in business and sport – under his leadership the capital's GAA team to multiple successive wins – his election effort faltered through gaffes that left him trailing in an opinion poll even prior to the financial revelation.

Party members who had been against choosing the candidate said the fiasco was a "serious miscalculation" that would have "ramifications" – a thinly veiled warning to Martin.

Voting System

Gavin's name may still appear for selection in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will end the 14-year tenure of President Higgins, but voters now face a two options between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an independent leftwinger. Survey results prior to the withdrawal gave Connolly a third of the vote and Humphreys 23%, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.

As per election guidelines, the electorate chooses contenders based on preference. In case nobody reaches half the votes initially, the contender receiving the lowest primary selections is eliminated and their support is passed to the following option.

Possible Ballot Shifts

Observers anticipated that if Gavin was eliminated, most of his votes would shift to the other candidate, and conversely, enhancing the possibility that a pro-government candidate would secure the presidency for the allied parties.

Function of the President

The role of president is a primarily ceremonial position but the current and former presidents made it a platform on global issues.

Surviving Hopefuls

The 68-year-old Connolly, from her home city, would add a firm left-leaning stance to that tradition. Connolly has attacked capitalist systems and stated Hamas is "a fundamental element" of the Palestinian people. She has accused NATO of promoting military solutions and likened the country's raised military budget to the pre-war era, when Germany underwent rearmament.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has been subjected to review over her record as a minister in administrations that managed a accommodation problem. Being a member of that faith from the county Monaghan near the border, she has also been questioned about her inability to speak Irish but said her religious background could assist in gaining Northern Ireland's unionists in a combined country.