The Jim Gavin Exits from Ireland's Election Campaign
With an unexpected announcement, a key main candidates in Ireland's election for president has quit the contest, dramatically altering the election dynamics.
Sudden Exit Shakes Up Campaign Landscape
Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin withdrew on Sunday night following revelations about an outstanding payment to a previous occupant, turning the election into an uncertain head-to-head battle between a centre-right former government minister and an autonomous progressive legislator.
Gavin, 54, a newcomer to politics who entered the race after professional experiences in athletics, flying and armed forces, withdrew after it emerged he had not repaid a excess rental payment of €3,300 when he was a landlord about a decade and a half ago, during a period of economic hardship.
"I made a mistake that was contrary to my character 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 welfare of my relatives and acquaintances.
"Weighing all these factors, I have decided to withdraw from the race for the presidency with right away and rejoin my loved ones."
Race Narrowed to Leading Candidates
A major surprise in a election race in modern times narrowed the contest to one candidate, a ex-minister who is running for the governing moderate right political party Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, an frank supporter of Palestinian rights who is backed by Sinn Féin and left-leaning minor parties.
Problem for Leader
Gavin's exit also triggered a crisis for the prime minister and party head, the party chief, who had put his reputation on the line by choosing an inexperienced hopeful over the doubts of party colleagues.
The leader stated Gavin did not want to "bring controversy" to the presidential role and was justified in leaving. "Gavin recognized that he was at fault in relation to an matter that has come up lately."
Election Challenges
Despite a reputation for skill and accomplishments in business and sport – Gavin had steered Dublin's Gaelic football team to five consecutive championship victories – his campaign had stumbled through blunders that left him trailing in an survey even prior to the financial revelation.
Fianna Fáil figures who had objected to picking the candidate said the situation was a "significant mistake" that would have "repercussions" – a thinly veiled warning to Martin.
Election Rules
His name may stay on the voting paper in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will conclude the lengthy term of Michael D Higgins, but people must choose between a dichotomy between a centrist establishment candidate and an non-aligned left-leaning candidate. Opinion research conducted ahead of Gavin's exit gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and 23 percent for Humphreys, with Gavin on 15%.
According to voting regulations, voters select contenders based on preference. Should no contender surpass 50% on the first count, the candidate with the least first preference votes is removed and their votes are transferred to the subsequent choice.
Possible Ballot Shifts
It was expected that should Gavin be removed, a majority of his ballots would go to Humphreys, and the other way around, enhancing the possibility that a pro-government candidate would secure the presidency for the allied parties.
Presidential Duties
The role of president is a mostly representative role but Higgins and his predecessors transformed it into a stage for international matters.
Remaining Candidates
Connolly, 68, from her home city, would introduce a robust progressive perspective to that heritage. Connolly has attacked neoliberal economics and stated the group represents "a fundamental element" of the Palestinian community. She has charged NATO of promoting military solutions and likened the country's raised military budget to the thirties, when Adolf Hitler rearmed the country.
The 62-year-old Humphreys, has faced scrutiny over her record as a minister in governments that presided over a housing crisis. A Presbyterian from the border county of Monaghan, she has also been criticised over her lack of Irish language skills but stated her Protestant heritage could aid in securing Northern Ireland's unionists in a united Ireland.