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In a stunning development, a key primary candidates in the Irish race for president has left the race, upending the entire competition.

Withdrawal Announcement Reconfigures Campaign Landscape

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin pulled out on the evening of Sunday following revelations about an unpaid debt to a former tenant, turning the race into an uncertain two-horse race between a center-right past cabinet member and an non-aligned left-leaning legislator.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who was parachuted into the election after work in sports, airline industry and defense, quit after it emerged he had failed to return a excess rental payment of €3,300 when he was a property owner about a decade and a half ago, during a period of financial difficulty.

"I committed an error that was inconsistent with who I am and the expectations I hold. I am currently resolving the issue," he said. "Reflecting deeply, about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the wellbeing of my family and friends.

"Taking all these considerations onboard, My decision is to step down from the campaign for president with immediate effect and go back to my family."

Contest Reduced to Two Main Contenders

A major surprise in a election race in recent history limited the options to one candidate, a ex-minister who is running for the governing moderate right Fine Gael party, and Catherine Connolly, an vocal pro-Palestinian voice who is endorsed by Sinn Féin and small leftwing opposition parties.

Challenge for Party Head

This departure also triggered a crisis for the prime minister and party head, Micheál Martin, who had put his reputation on the line by selecting an unproven contender over the skepticism of associates in the party.

The leader stated it was about not wanting to "cause dispute" to the office of president and was justified in leaving. "He acknowledged that he made an error in relation to an situation that has emerged recently."

Political Difficulties

Although known for capability and achievements in business and sport – Gavin had steered the Dublin football squad to five consecutive championship victories – his campaign had stumbled through gaffes that put him at a disadvantage in an public opinion measure even before the unpaid debt disclosure.

Individuals within Fianna Fáil who had objected to picking Gavin said the situation was a "major error in judgment" that would have "ramifications" – a thinly veiled warning to the leader.

Ballot Process

Gavin's name may remain on the ballot in the poll taking place in late October, which will finish the long service of Michael D Higgins, but voters now face a dichotomy between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an non-aligned left-leaning candidate. Opinion research conducted ahead of his departure gave Connolly 32% support and Humphreys nearly a quarter, with the former candidate at 15 percent.

According to voting regulations, people pick candidates in order of preference. In case nobody reaches 50% on the first count, the hopeful with the fewest primary selections is removed and their votes are transferred to the next preference.

Possible Ballot Shifts

It was expected that should Gavin be removed, the bulk of his support would transfer to Humphreys, and vice versa, boosting the chance that a establishment hopeful would win the presidential office for the governing partnership.

Presidential Duties

This office is a largely symbolic post but Higgins and his predecessors made it a platform on global issues.

Remaining Candidates

Connolly, 68, from her home city, would add a firm left-leaning stance to that tradition. She has criticized neoliberal economics and remarked the group represents "an integral component" of the people of Palestine. She has accused Nato of militarism and equated Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the pre-war era, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has been subjected to review over her time in office in governments that presided over a housing crisis. As a Protestant from the county Monaghan near the border, she has also been criticised over her inability to speak Irish but said her religious background could help win over loyalists in the North in a united Ireland.