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In a stunning development, one of the leading contenders in the Irish race for president has left the contest, reshaping the political landscape.

Sudden Exit Shakes Up Political Contest

The party's presidential hopeful stepped down on Sunday night following reports about an financial obligation to a former tenant, converting the election into an unpredictable head-to-head battle between a centre-right former government minister and an independent leftwing member of parliament.

Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who joined the campaign after work in sports, airline industry and defense, stepped aside after it came to light he had neglected to refund a excess rental payment of 3,300 euros when he was a property owner about in the mid-2000s, during a period of financial difficulty.

"It was my fault that was contrary to who I am and the expectations I hold. Corrective actions are underway," he declared. "After careful consideration, about the potential impact of the current political contest on the welfare of my relatives and acquaintances.

"Taking all these considerations onboard, I've chosen to exit from the presidential election contest with immediate action and go back to my family."

Race Narrowed to Two Main Contenders

The biggest shock in a presidential campaign in living memory reduced the field to Heather Humphreys, a past government official who is running for the ruling centre-right Fine Gael party, and Catherine Connolly, an frank advocate for Palestine who is backed by a political party and left-leaning minor parties.

Crisis for Leadership

Gavin's exit also triggered a crisis for the leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, who had put his reputation on the line by selecting an inexperienced hopeful over the reservations of party colleagues.

Martin said it was about not wanting to "create turmoil" to the office of president and was correct to step down. "Jim has accepted that he committed a mistake in relation to an issue that has come up lately."

Election Challenges

Although known for capability and achievements in commerce and athletics – Gavin had steered the Dublin football squad to five straight titles – his election effort faltered through blunders that put him at a disadvantage in an public opinion measure even prior to the financial revelation.

Fianna Fáil figures who had objected to picking Gavin said the fiasco was a "major error in judgment" that would have "consequences" – a barely concealed caution to Martin.

Ballot Process

His name may remain on the ballot in the election on 24 October, which will conclude the lengthy term of the current president, but people must choose between a dichotomy between a traditional center candidate and an non-aligned left-leaning candidate. Survey results prior to the withdrawal gave Connolly 32% support and 23 percent for Humphreys, with Gavin on 15%.

Under electoral rules, people pick hopefuls by ranked choice. In case nobody reaches half the votes initially, the hopeful with the fewest primary selections is removed and their votes are transferred to the subsequent choice.

Possible Ballot Shifts

Observers anticipated that should Gavin be removed, a majority of his ballots would go to Humphreys, and vice versa, increasing the likelihood that a mainstream contender would attain the presidency for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.

Role of the Presidency

This office is a largely symbolic post but the current and former presidents transformed it into 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 assailed free-market policies and said the group represents "an integral component" of the people of Palestine. She has accused Nato of militarism and likened Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the 1930s, when Germany underwent rearmament.

The 62-year-old Humphreys, has been subjected to review over her performance in government in cabinets that oversaw a housing crisis. As a Protestant from the northern county, she has also been criticised over her lack of Irish language skills but said her faith tradition could assist in gaining unionist community in a combined country.