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In a stunning development, a key primary contenders in the Irish election for president has withdrawn from the contest, reshaping the entire competition.

Withdrawal Announcement Shakes Up Political Contest

The party's Jim Gavin stepped down on the evening of Sunday following disclosures about an financial obligation to a former tenant, transforming the race into an unpredictable head-to-head battle between a centre-right past cabinet member and an non-aligned left-leaning legislator.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who was parachuted into the race after work in sports, airline industry and defense, withdrew after it was revealed he had not repaid a excess rental payment of €3,300 when he was a landlord about in the mid-2000s, during a period of economic hardship.

"I made a mistake that was inconsistent with my values and the principles I uphold. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he said. "Reflecting deeply, about the potential impact of the continuing election battle on the wellbeing of my loved ones and companions.

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

Race Narrowed to Leading Candidates

The most dramatic event in a election race in modern times narrowed the contest to Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister who is running for the ruling centre-right Fine Gael party, and another candidate, an frank supporter of Palestinian rights who is backed by Sinn Féin and left-leaning minor parties.

Crisis for Leadership

The withdrawal also triggered a crisis for the leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, who had risked his standing by selecting an inexperienced hopeful over the reservations of associates in the party.

He commented it was about not wanting to "bring controversy" to the presidential role and was correct to step down. "Gavin recognized that he made an error in relation to an issue that has arisen in recent days."

Election Challenges

Despite a reputation for competence and success in business and sport – under his leadership the capital's GAA team to five consecutive championship victories – his election effort faltered through gaffes that caused him to fall behind in an public opinion measure even before the unpaid debt disclosure.

Fianna Fáil figures who had opposed selecting the candidate said the situation was a "serious miscalculation" that would have "consequences" – a implied threat to the leader.

Voting System

The candidate's name may stay on the voting paper in the election on 24 October, which will end the 14-year tenure of President Higgins, but voters now face a two options between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an autonomous progressive. Survey results prior to his departure gave Connolly 32% support and 23 percent for Humphreys, with Gavin on 15%.

As per election guidelines, the electorate chooses hopefuls by ranked choice. If no candidate exceeds half the votes initially, the candidate with the least initial choices is eliminated and their votes are transferred to the subsequent choice.

Potential Vote Transfers

Analysts predicted that if Gavin was eliminated, the bulk of his support would go to Humphreys, and the other way around, enhancing the possibility that a pro-government candidate would win the presidential office for the governing partnership.

Presidential Duties

The role of president is a largely symbolic post but Higgins and his predecessors made it a platform on global issues.

Final Contenders

Connolly, 68, from her home city, would add a firm left-leaning stance to that heritage. Connolly has attacked free-market policies and said the group represents "part of the fabric" of the Palestinian people. She has charged NATO of promoting military solutions and likened the country's raised military budget to the 1930s, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has been subjected to review over her performance in government in governments that presided over a housing crisis. A Presbyterian from the border county of Monaghan, she has also been criticised over her failure to speak Gaelic but said her religious background could aid in securing Northern Ireland's unionists in a combined country.