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With an unexpected announcement, one of the main candidates in Ireland's election for president has left the contest, dramatically altering the election dynamics.

Withdrawal Announcement Shakes Up Political Contest

The party's Jim Gavin pulled out on the evening of Sunday following disclosures about an outstanding payment to a former tenant, turning the election into an uncertain head-to-head battle between a center-right ex-minister and an non-aligned left-leaning parliamentarian.

The 54-year-old Gavin, a political novice who was parachuted into the campaign after professional experiences in sport, aviation and the military, quit after it was revealed he had neglected to refund a rent overpayment of 3,300 euros when he was a landlord about a decade and a half ago, during a period of financial difficulty.

"I committed an error that was contrary to who I am and the standards I set myself. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he stated. "I have also thought long and hard, regarding the possible effects of the continuing election battle on the welfare of my relatives and acquaintances.

"Taking all these considerations onboard, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate effect and rejoin my loved ones."

Race Narrowed to Two Main Contenders

A major surprise in a election race in modern times reduced the field to Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister who is running for the ruling centre-right political party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an frank pro-Palestinian voice who is backed by a political party and small leftwing opposition parties.

Problem for Leader

The withdrawal also caused a problem for the prime minister and party head, the party chief, who had put his reputation on the line by choosing an unproven contender over the reservations of fellow members.

Martin said the candidate wished to avoid "cause dispute" to the presidential role and was justified in leaving. "Jim has accepted that he committed a mistake in relation to an situation that has arisen in recent days."

Campaign Struggles

Even with a track record of capability and achievements in business and sport – Gavin had steered Dublin's Gaelic football team to five consecutive championship victories – his political bid struggled through blunders that put him at a disadvantage in an opinion poll even prior to the financial revelation.

Party members who had been against choosing Gavin said the episode was a "major error in judgment" that would have "repercussions" – a barely concealed caution to Martin.

Ballot Process

Gavin's name may stay on the voting paper in the election on 24 October, which will end the 14-year tenure of the current president, but voters now face a two options between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an autonomous progressive. A poll taken before the withdrawal gave Connolly 32% support and 23 percent for Humphreys, with Gavin on 15%.

Under electoral rules, people pick candidates in order of preference. If no candidate exceeds 50% on the first count, the candidate with the least primary selections is excluded and their support is passed to the following option.

Likely Support Redistribution

Analysts predicted that in the event of his exclusion, most of his votes would transfer to Humphreys, and conversely, enhancing the possibility that a pro-government candidate would attain the presidency for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.

Role of the Presidency

The presidency is a primarily ceremonial position but Higgins and his predecessors made it a stage for international matters.

Remaining Candidates

The 68-year-old Connolly, from her home city, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that tradition. She has assailed capitalist systems and said Hamas is "part of the fabric" of the people of Palestine. She has accused NATO of promoting military solutions and likened Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the 1930s, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

Humphreys, 62, has faced scrutiny over her performance in government in administrations that managed a property shortage. Being a member of that faith from the border county of Monaghan, she has also been faulted for her failure to speak Gaelic but stated her Protestant heritage could aid in securing unionist community in a united Ireland.