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With an unexpected announcement, a key primary hopefuls in Ireland's race for president has left the race, dramatically altering the election dynamics.

Withdrawal Announcement Shakes Up Political Contest

The party's presidential hopeful withdrew on the evening of Sunday following reports about an financial obligation to a former tenant, turning the race into an volatile two-horse race between a centre-right former government minister and an non-aligned left-leaning legislator.

Gavin, 54, a political novice who was parachuted into the race after careers in sports, airline industry and defense, quit after it emerged he had failed to return a overpaid rent of over three thousand euros when he was a property owner about a decade and a half ago, during a period of financial difficulty.

"It was my fault that was contrary to my values and the expectations I hold. Corrective actions are underway," he stated. "I have also thought long and hard, about the potential impact of the current political contest on the health of my relatives and acquaintances.

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

Race Narrowed to Two Main Contenders

The most dramatic event in a election race in living memory narrowed the contest to one candidate, a former cabinet minister who is running for the incumbent center-right political party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an vocal advocate for Palestine who is backed by a political party and small leftwing opposition parties.

Challenge for Party Head

Gavin's exit also created turmoil for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, the party chief, who had risked his standing by nominating an unproven contender over the doubts of fellow members.

He commented it was about not wanting to "cause dispute" to the presidency and was right to withdraw. "He acknowledged that he was at fault in relation to an issue that has emerged recently."

Political Difficulties

Even with a track record of skill and accomplishments in enterprise and sports – he guided Dublin's Gaelic football team to five straight titles – his campaign had stumbled through missteps that left him trailing in an survey even prior to the financial revelation.

Party members who had objected to picking the candidate said the situation was a "major error in judgment" that would have "consequences" – a barely concealed caution to the leader.

Election Rules

The candidate's name may remain on the ballot in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will end the 14-year tenure of Michael D Higgins, but people must choose between a dichotomy between a traditional center candidate and an independent leftwinger. Opinion research conducted ahead of his departure gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and 23 percent for Humphreys, with the former candidate at 15 percent.

According to voting regulations, voters select candidates in order of preference. In case nobody reaches 50% on the first count, the hopeful with the fewest primary selections is excluded and their support is passed to the following option.

Potential Vote Transfers

Analysts predicted that if Gavin was eliminated, the bulk of his support would shift to the other candidate, and the other way around, boosting the chance that a establishment hopeful would win the presidential office for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.

Role of the Presidency

The presidency is a primarily ceremonial position but the current and former presidents transformed it into a venue for worldwide concerns.

Remaining Candidates

The 68-year-old Connolly, from her home city, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that tradition. She has assailed capitalist systems and remarked the group represents "a fundamental element" of the Palestinian people. She has charged Nato of militarism and likened Germany's increased defence spending to the 1930s, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has encountered examination over her time in office in governments that presided over a accommodation problem. As a Protestant from the border county of Monaghan, she has also been questioned about her failure to speak Gaelic but stated her religious background could assist in gaining unionist community in a reunified nation.