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In a stunning development, a key primary candidates in Ireland's election for president has withdrawn from the race, dramatically altering the entire competition.

Sudden Exit Reconfigures Political Contest

The party's Jim Gavin stepped down on Sunday night following revelations about an outstanding payment to a past renter, transforming the contest into an uncertain head-to-head battle between a centre-right past cabinet member and an autonomous progressive legislator.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who joined the election after careers in athletics, flying and armed forces, withdrew after it was revealed he had not repaid a rent overpayment of €3,300 when he was a lessor about 16 years ago, during a period of economic hardship.

"I committed an error that was inconsistent with my character and the principles I uphold. I am currently resolving the issue," he said. "I have also thought long and hard, concerning the influence of the current political contest on the health of my relatives and acquaintances.

"Weighing all these factors, I've chosen to exit from the campaign for president with immediate action and rejoin my loved ones."

Contest Reduced to Primary Hopefuls

The most dramatic event in a presidential campaign in recent history narrowed the contest to one candidate, a past government official who is running for the incumbent center-right party Fine Gael, and another candidate, an vocal advocate for Palestine who is backed by Sinn Féin and small leftwing opposition parties.

Crisis for Leadership

Gavin's exit also triggered a crisis for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, the party chief, who had put his reputation on the line by selecting an inexperienced hopeful over the doubts of associates in the party.

He commented Gavin did not want to "create turmoil" to the office of president and was correct to step down. "He acknowledged that he was at fault in relation to an situation that has emerged recently."

Election Challenges

Although known for capability and achievements in business and sport – he guided the Dublin football squad to five straight titles – his election effort faltered through blunders that left him trailing in an survey even ahead of the debt news.

Fianna Fáil figures who had objected to picking Gavin said the fiasco was a "major error in judgment" that would have "repercussions" – a implied threat to the leader.

Ballot Process

His name may stay on the voting paper in the election on 24 October, which will conclude the lengthy term of Michael D Higgins, but people must choose between a two options between a centrist establishment candidate and an independent leftwinger. Opinion research conducted ahead of the withdrawal gave Connolly 32% support and Humphreys 23%, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.

According to voting regulations, people pick candidates in order of preference. If no candidate exceeds 50% on the first count, the hopeful with the fewest first preference votes is removed and their votes are transferred to the following option.

Potential Vote Transfers

Observers anticipated that should Gavin be removed, most of his votes would shift to the other candidate, and vice versa, enhancing the possibility that a mainstream contender would secure the presidency for the allied parties.

Role of the Presidency

The role of president is a primarily ceremonial position but Higgins and his predecessors turned it into a venue for worldwide concerns.

Surviving Hopefuls

Connolly, 68, from her home city, would add a firm left-leaning stance to that tradition. She has criticized free-market policies and said Hamas is "an integral component" of the Palestinian people. Connolly has alleged the alliance of warmongering and compared Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the thirties, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

Humphreys, 62, has been subjected to review over her record as a minister in cabinets that oversaw a accommodation problem. A Presbyterian from the county Monaghan near the border, she has also been faulted for her inability to speak Irish but commented her religious background could assist in gaining unionist community in a united Ireland.