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In a stunning development, a key primary hopefuls in the Irish race for president has quit the race, upending the political landscape.

Sudden Exit Shakes Up Political Contest

Fianna Fáil's presidential hopeful stepped down on Sunday night following revelations about an financial obligation to a former tenant, transforming the election into an unpredictable head-to-head battle between a moderate right ex-minister and an non-aligned left-leaning parliamentarian.

The 54-year-old Gavin, a inexperienced candidate who was parachuted into the race after careers in sports, airline industry and defense, quit after it was revealed he had failed to return a rent overpayment of 3,300 euros when he was a lessor about 16 years ago, during a period of economic hardship.

"I committed an error that was contrary to my values and the expectations I hold. Corrective actions are underway," he stated. "After careful consideration, about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the health of my relatives and acquaintances.

"After evaluating everything, I've chosen to exit from the campaign for president with right away and return to the arms of my family."

Race Narrowed to Primary Hopefuls

The biggest shock in a political contest in living memory narrowed the contest to one candidate, a past government official who is running for the ruling centre-right party Fine Gael, and another candidate, an frank pro-Palestinian voice who is supported by a political party and minor progressive groups.

Problem for Leader

The withdrawal also caused a problem for the prime minister and party head, Micheál Martin, who had staked his authority by choosing an untried candidate over the doubts of associates in the party.

Martin said the candidate wished to avoid "create turmoil" to the presidency and was right to withdraw. "He acknowledged that he made an error in relation to an issue that has emerged recently."

Campaign Struggles

Although known for skill and accomplishments in enterprise and sports – under his leadership Dublin's Gaelic football team to multiple successive wins – his election effort faltered through blunders that caused him to fall behind in an survey even prior to the financial revelation.

Fianna Fáil figures who had objected to picking the candidate said the situation was a "major error in judgment" that would have "repercussions" – a barely concealed caution to the leader.

Ballot Process

Gavin's name may stay on the voting paper in the poll taking place in late October, which will conclude the lengthy term of Michael D Higgins, but voters now face a two options between a centrist establishment candidate and an autonomous progressive. Survey results prior to his departure gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and 23 percent for Humphreys, with Gavin on 15%.

As per election guidelines, people pick candidates in order of preference. In case nobody reaches 50% on the first count, the candidate with the least first preference votes is eliminated 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 go to Humphreys, and conversely, enhancing the possibility that a establishment hopeful would attain the presidency for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.

Role of the Presidency

This office is a largely symbolic post but incumbents and past holders turned it into a venue for worldwide concerns.

Final Contenders

Connolly, 68, from her home city, would add a firm left-leaning stance to that legacy. She has assailed capitalist systems and said Hamas is "a fundamental element" of the Palestinian community. She has accused the alliance of warmongering 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 performance in government in cabinets that oversaw a accommodation problem. As a Protestant from the northern county, she has also been criticised over her inability to speak Irish but commented her religious background could aid in securing unionist community in a combined country.