Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin drops out of Presidential race

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin is withdrawing from the Presidential Election "with immediate effect", following reports that he owes a former tenant €3,300.

The former tenant told the Sunday Independent that he wrote to Gavin saying the sum was paid to him in error, and that he asked to be refunded.

The tenant claimed he was never paid back, despite reaching out on multiple occasions.

"I made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character and the standards I set myself," Gavin said in a statement. "I am now taking steps to address the matter.

"I have also thought long and hard about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the wellbeing of my family and friends.

"Taking all these considerations on board, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate effect and return to the arms of my family."

Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said that his party's (now former) candidate's decision "is the correct one".

"Jim has accepted that he made an error in relation to an issue that has arisen in recent days," the Taoiseach said.

"He himself has said the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann is the highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service.

"He is clear that he does not want to bring controversy onto this office.

Both Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, now the two remaining candidates in the Presidential Election, issued messages of support to Gavin following his announcement to drop out of the race.

"Anyone who seeks to make Ireland a better place through public service should be commended," Connolly said in a statement. "Jim Gavin has made the right decision for himself and his family. I wish him well."

"Jim Gavin has made an enormous contribution to our country," said Humphreys. "He served in the Defence Forces with distinction and his achievements and the groundbreaking changes he pioneered in Gaelic Football are a legacy which will stand the test of time for all those who love our national games.

"While I know this must have been a very difficult decision, it is clearly one Jim has made with the best interests of his family at heart.

"That is something all of us can relate to. I want to wish Jim and his family all the very best for the future."

Read Jim Gavin's statement in full below:

"When I announced my intention to contest the presidential election I did so in a spirit of lifelong public service and a love of country. That has always been my sole motivation.

I believe deeply in this country, its dreams, its hopes and above all its people. The office of Uachtarán na hÉireann is the highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service. It is an office that must be untainted by controversy or distraction.

I always knew the campaign would be robust and challenging and anyone who knows me knows that I have never shirked from a contest. I have always sought to act in honour and good faith.

However recent days have given me cause to reflect.

I made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character and the standards I set myself. I am now taking steps to address the matter.

I have also thought long and hard about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the wellbeing of my family and friends.

Taking all these considerations on board, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate effect and return to the arms of my family.

Throughout this campaign I have been humbled by the encouragement and kind words I received. So many people have gone out of their way to support me in so many ways, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to them. I truly hope you understand my decision and do not feel let down.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh."