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With an unexpected announcement, one of the main contenders in Ireland's presidential election has withdrawn from the race, reshaping the entire competition.

Withdrawal Announcement Shakes Up Campaign Landscape

Fianna Fáil's presidential hopeful withdrew on the evening of Sunday following revelations about an financial obligation to a previous occupant, converting the election into an volatile direct competition between a centre-right former government minister and an non-aligned left-leaning parliamentarian.

The 54-year-old Gavin, a newcomer to politics who joined the campaign after careers in sports, airline industry and defense, quit after it came to light he had not repaid a rent overpayment of 3,300 euros when he was a landlord about in the mid-2000s, during a period of monetary strain.

"I committed an error that was contrary to my character and the expectations I hold. Corrective actions are underway," he said. "I have also thought long and hard, regarding the possible effects of the ongoing campaign on the welfare of my loved ones and companions.

"After evaluating everything, I have decided to withdraw from the campaign for president with immediate action and return to the arms of my family."

Race Narrowed to Two Main Contenders

A major surprise in a presidential campaign in living memory reduced the field to one candidate, a ex-minister who is running for the ruling centre-right Fine Gael party, and another candidate, an frank advocate for Palestine who is backed by Sinn Féin and left-leaning minor parties.

Problem for Leader

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

The leader stated the candidate wished to avoid "bring controversy" to the presidency and was justified in leaving. "Jim has accepted that he committed a mistake in relation to an issue that has arisen in recent days."

Political Difficulties

Despite a reputation for skill and accomplishments in commerce and athletics – under his leadership the capital's GAA team to five consecutive championship victories – his political bid struggled through blunders that left him trailing in an opinion poll even prior to the financial revelation.

Individuals within Fianna Fáil who had been against choosing Gavin said the episode was a "major error in judgment" that would have "ramifications" – a thinly veiled warning to Martin.

Voting System

The candidate's name may stay on the voting paper in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will conclude the lengthy term of the current president, but people must choose between a binary choice between a centrist establishment candidate and an independent leftwinger. Survey results prior to his departure gave Connolly a third of the vote and Humphreys 23%, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.

As per election guidelines, people pick candidates in order of preference. If no candidate exceeds a majority in round one, the contender receiving the lowest first preference votes is eliminated and their ballots are redistributed to the subsequent choice.

Likely Support Redistribution

It was expected that if Gavin was eliminated, a majority of his ballots would transfer to Humphreys, and the other way around, enhancing the possibility that a establishment hopeful would win the presidential office for the governing partnership.

Function of the President

This office is a mostly representative role but the current and former presidents transformed it into a platform on global issues.

Surviving Hopefuls

Connolly, 68, from Galway, would introduce a robust progressive perspective to that heritage. Connolly has attacked free-market policies and said the group represents "part of the fabric" of the people of Palestine. Connolly has alleged Nato of militarism and equated Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the pre-war era, when Adolf Hitler rearmed the country.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has encountered examination over her record as a minister in administrations that managed a housing crisis. A Presbyterian from the northern county, she has also been faulted for her inability to speak Irish but said her Protestant heritage could aid in securing loyalists in the North in a combined country.