The Jim Gavin Withdraws from Irish Election Campaign
In a stunning development, a key leading contenders in the Irish race for president has left the campaign, dramatically altering the entire competition.
Sudden Exit Transforms Election Dynamics
The party's Jim Gavin pulled out on Sunday night following revelations about an unpaid debt to a past renter, turning the contest into an unpredictable direct competition between a center-right past cabinet member and an autonomous progressive parliamentarian.
The 54-year-old Gavin, a political novice who was parachuted into the election after professional experiences in athletics, flying and armed forces, stepped aside after it was revealed he had failed to return a rent overpayment of €3,300 when he was a property owner 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. Corrective actions are underway," he said. "I have also thought long and hard, regarding the possible effects of the current political contest on the welfare of my family and friends.
"After evaluating everything, I've chosen to exit from the campaign for president with immediate effect and rejoin my loved ones."
Contest Reduced to Leading Candidates
The biggest shock in a political contest in recent history narrowed the contest to Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister who is representing the incumbent center-right party Fine Gael, and another candidate, an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights who is backed by a political party and left-leaning minor parties.
Problem for Leader
Gavin's exit also triggered a crisis for the taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, the party chief, who had risked his standing by nominating an unproven contender over the reservations of fellow members.
The leader stated it was about not wanting to "bring controversy" to the office of president and was right to withdraw. "He acknowledged that he made an error in relation to an matter that has come up lately."
Political Difficulties
Although known for skill and accomplishments in commerce and athletics – under his leadership the capital's GAA team to five straight titles – his political bid struggled through gaffes that put him at a disadvantage in an opinion poll even before the unpaid debt disclosure.
Fianna Fáil figures who had been against choosing Gavin said the episode was a "major error in judgment" that would have "ramifications" – a thinly veiled warning to Martin.
Voting System
His name may remain on the ballot in the vote scheduled for October 24, which will finish the long service of President Higgins, but people must choose between a binary choice between a mainstream moderate hopeful and an non-aligned left-leaning candidate. A poll taken before his departure gave Connolly a third of the vote and 23 percent for Humphreys, with 15 percent supporting Gavin.
According to voting regulations, voters select candidates in order of preference. If no candidate exceeds half the votes initially, the candidate with the least primary selections is removed and their ballots are redistributed to the subsequent choice.
Possible Ballot Shifts
It was expected that should Gavin be removed, most of his votes would transfer to Humphreys, and vice versa, boosting the chance that a mainstream contender would win the presidential office for the governing partnership.
Presidential Duties
The presidency is a primarily ceremonial position but the current and former presidents made it a platform on global issues.
Remaining Candidates
Connolly, 68, from Galway, would introduce a robust progressive perspective to that tradition. She has criticized capitalist systems and remarked the organization constitutes "an integral component" of the people of Palestine. She has accused NATO of promoting military solutions and compared Berlin's enhanced defense expenditure to the pre-war era, when the Nazi leader built up military forces.
Humphreys, 62, has been subjected to review over her performance in government in cabinets that oversaw a accommodation problem. As a Protestant from the northern county, she has also been questioned about her inability to speak Irish but commented her religious background could help win over unionist community in a combined country.
