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In a surprising turn of events, one of the leading hopefuls in the Irish election for president has quit the campaign, reshaping the political landscape.

Withdrawal Announcement Transforms Election Dynamics

Fianna Fáil's presidential hopeful withdrew on Sunday night following revelations about an unpaid debt to a former tenant, converting the contest into an uncertain head-to-head battle between a center-right former government minister and an non-aligned left-leaning parliamentarian.

The 54-year-old Gavin, a political novice who was parachuted into the race after work in athletics, flying and armed forces, withdrew after it emerged 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 made a mistake that was not in keeping with who I am and the principles I uphold. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he declared. "I have also thought long and hard, about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the health of my family and friends.

"After evaluating everything, I have decided to withdraw from the campaign for president with immediate action and rejoin my loved ones."

Race Narrowed to Leading Candidates

The most dramatic event in a political contest in modern times limited the options to one candidate, a ex-minister who is representing the ruling centre-right political party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an frank supporter of Palestinian rights who is backed by Sinn Féin and minor progressive groups.

Problem for Leader

The withdrawal also triggered a crisis for the leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, who had staked his authority by choosing an unproven contender over the doubts of fellow members.

The leader stated Gavin did not want to "cause dispute" to the presidential role and was correct to step down. "He acknowledged that he made an error in relation to an matter that has emerged recently."

Campaign Struggles

Even with a track record of skill and accomplishments in enterprise and sports – Gavin had steered the capital's GAA team to five straight titles – his political bid struggled through missteps that left him trailing in an public opinion measure even prior to the financial revelation.

Party members who had opposed selecting Gavin said the fiasco was a "significant mistake" that would have "ramifications" – a thinly veiled warning to the leader.

Ballot Process

His 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 binary choice between a traditional center candidate and an independent leftwinger. A poll taken before Gavin's exit gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and Humphreys 23%, with Gavin on 15%.

Under electoral rules, people pick contenders based on preference. Should no contender surpass a majority in round one, the contender receiving the lowest primary selections is excluded and their votes are transferred to the next preference.

Potential Vote Transfers

It was expected that in the event of his exclusion, the bulk of his support would shift to the other candidate, and the other way around, boosting the chance that a mainstream contender would secure the presidency for the allied parties.

Role of the Presidency

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

Remaining Candidates

Connolly, 68, from her home city, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that heritage. She has assailed neoliberal economics and stated Hamas is "an integral component" of the Palestinian community. Connolly has alleged NATO of promoting military solutions and equated the country's raised military budget 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 governments that presided over a accommodation problem. Being a member of that faith from the northern county, she has also been faulted for her lack of Irish language skills but stated her religious background could aid in securing loyalists in the North in a reunified nation.