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In a stunning development, a key leading candidates in the Irish election for president has withdrawn from the race, upending the entire competition.

Withdrawal Announcement Shakes Up Campaign Landscape

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin stepped down on Sunday night following reports about an outstanding payment to a previous occupant, converting the contest into an uncertain head-to-head battle between a moderate right former government minister and an autonomous progressive legislator.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who was parachuted into the campaign after work in sports, airline industry and defense, stepped aside after it was revealed he had neglected to refund a excess rental payment of over three thousand euros when he was a landlord about 16 years ago, during a period of economic hardship.

"I committed an error that was contrary to who I am and the expectations I hold. I am currently resolving the issue," he stated. "Reflecting deeply, regarding the possible effects of the continuing election battle on the welfare of my family and friends.

"After evaluating everything, My decision is to step down from the campaign for president with immediate action and return to the arms of my family."

Contest Reduced to Leading Candidates

A major surprise in a political contest in living memory reduced the field to Heather Humphreys, a past government official who is running for the ruling centre-right party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an vocal advocate for Palestine who is supported by Sinn Féin and small leftwing opposition parties.

Problem for Leader

Gavin's exit also caused a problem for the leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, who had risked his standing by nominating an inexperienced hopeful over the skepticism of party colleagues.

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

Political Difficulties

Although known for capability and achievements in business and sport – under his leadership the capital's GAA team to five straight titles – his political bid struggled through missteps that caused him to fall behind in an public opinion measure even before the unpaid debt disclosure.

Party members who had objected to picking the candidate said the situation was a "significant mistake" that would have "consequences" – a barely concealed caution to Martin.

Election Rules

Gavin's name may remain on the ballot 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 centrist establishment candidate and an independent leftwinger. Opinion research conducted ahead of Gavin's exit gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and Humphreys nearly a quarter, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.

Under electoral rules, the electorate chooses candidates in order of preference. Should no contender surpass half the votes initially, the candidate with the least first preference votes is excluded and their support is passed to the following option.

Likely Support Redistribution

It was expected that if Gavin was eliminated, a majority of his ballots would go to Humphreys, and conversely, increasing the likelihood that a pro-government candidate would secure the presidency for the allied parties.

Function of the President

The presidency is a primarily ceremonial position but incumbents and past holders made it a stage for international matters.

Final Contenders

The 68-year-old Connolly, from Galway, would introduce a robust progressive perspective to that heritage. She has assailed free-market policies and stated the organization constitutes "an integral component" of the people of Palestine. She has charged NATO of promoting military solutions and likened the country's raised military budget to the 1930s, when Germany underwent rearmament.

Humphreys, 62, has been subjected to review over her time in office in cabinets that oversaw a housing crisis. As a Protestant from the northern county, she has also been faulted for her lack of Irish language skills but commented her faith tradition could aid in securing Northern Ireland's unionists in a reunified nation.