The Jim Gavin Withdraws from Ireland's Presidential Race
In a stunning development, a key primary candidates in Ireland's election for president has quit the contest, upending the entire competition.
Sudden Exit Transforms Political Contest
Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin pulled out on Sunday night following revelations about an outstanding payment to a previous occupant, turning the election into an unpredictable head-to-head battle between a center-right ex-minister and an autonomous progressive parliamentarian.
The 54-year-old Gavin, a political novice who joined the election after careers in sport, aviation and the military, withdrew after it came to light 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 made a mistake that was inconsistent with my values and the expectations I hold. I am now taking steps to address the matter," he said. "After careful consideration, regarding the possible effects of the continuing election battle on the wellbeing of my loved ones and companions.
"Weighing all these factors, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate action and rejoin my loved ones."
Race Narrowed to Primary Hopefuls
The most dramatic event in a presidential campaign in modern times narrowed the contest to Heather Humphreys, a ex-minister who is campaigning for the incumbent center-right party Fine Gael, and another candidate, an vocal pro-Palestinian voice who is backed by Sinn Féin and left-leaning minor parties.
Crisis for Leadership
Gavin's exit also caused a problem for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, the party chief, who had risked his standing by selecting an inexperienced hopeful over the reservations of fellow members.
He commented it was about not wanting to "cause dispute" to the presidential role and was justified in leaving. "He acknowledged that he made an error in relation to an issue that has emerged recently."
Political Difficulties
Even with a track record of capability and achievements in business and sport – Gavin had steered the capital's GAA team to five straight titles – his campaign had stumbled through gaffes that left him trailing in an survey even ahead of the debt news.
Individuals within Fianna Fáil who had been against choosing Gavin said the situation was a "major error in judgment" that would have "consequences" – a barely concealed caution to the leader.
Ballot Process
His name may still appear for selection in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will finish the long service of Michael D Higgins, but voters now face a two options between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an non-aligned left-leaning candidate. Survey results prior to Gavin's exit gave 32 percent backing for Connolly and 23 percent for Humphreys, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.
Under electoral rules, the electorate chooses contenders based on preference. Should no contender surpass 50% on the first count, the candidate with the least first preference votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred to the following option.
Likely Support Redistribution
Observers anticipated that should Gavin be removed, a majority of his ballots would transfer to Humphreys, and the other way around, enhancing the possibility that a pro-government candidate would attain the presidency for the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition.
Presidential Duties
The role of president is a mostly representative role but the current and former presidents made it a stage for international matters.
Final Contenders
The 68-year-old Connolly, from Galway, would bring a strong leftwing voice to that heritage. She has criticized capitalist systems and said the organization constitutes "part of the fabric" of the Palestinian people. Connolly has alleged NATO of promoting military solutions and equated the country's raised military budget to the pre-war era, when Adolf Hitler rearmed the country.
Humphreys, 62, has been subjected to review over her performance in government in governments that presided over a property shortage. Being a member of that faith from the northern county, she has also been faulted for her inability to speak Irish but stated her Protestant heritage could aid in securing loyalists in the North in a united Ireland.
