Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin withdraws from race
Ellen O'Donoghue
Former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin, Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate, has withdrawn from the race.
In a statement released just after 10.30pm on Sunday night, Mr Gavin said he is withdrawing with immediate effect after recent days gave him cause to reflect.
He said that when announcing his intention to contest in the election, he did so "in a spirit of lifelong public service and a love of country."
Reports have arisen in the last number of days regarding stories about him failing to register a tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board, and allegedly owing money to a previous tenant.
He said that the office of the president is the "highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service", but added that "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," he said, "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.
Mr Gavin added that throughout his campaign, he has been "humbled by the encouragement and kind words" he received from the public.
"I truly hope you understand my decision and do not feel left down," his statement said.
In a statement on the matter, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he can "fully understand his decision and believe it is the correct one.
"Jim has achieved an enormous amount in his life. His commitment to service and helping others has always, quite rightly, defined his character and his great standing with the public," the Fianna Fáil leader added.
"Jim has accepted that he made an error in relation to an issue that has arisen in recent days," Mr Martin's statement said.
Mr Gavin is "clear" that he does not want to bring "controversy" into the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann, Mr Martin said.
"This has been a very difficult decision for Jim given his commitment to public service. I wish him well. I have no doubt that he will continue to make a significant contribution to Irish life and society," the Taoiseach's statement finished.
It was recently reported that a former tenant overpaid Mr Gavin €3,300 in rent that he has failed to return since 2009.
The Irish Independent reported that the former Dublin manager had failed to register the Smithfield property with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), as required under law since 2004.
After getting into financial difficulty, Mr Gavin and his wife, Jennifer, surrendered the home to the banks.
Speaking to the media following the RTÉ presidential debate on The Week in Politics, Mr Gavin could not provide any more information on what happened.
During the debate, he said, “If it happened, I’m sorry it happened”.
However, it is worth noting that Mr Gavin's name is likely to remain on the ballot paper on Friday, October 24th, but with no campaign behind it, because of his late withdrawal.
Mr Gavin was among three candidates alongside Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and independent Catherine Connolly, will remain on the ballot paper.
His decision to drop out came after a Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll put him in last place on 15 per cent, behind Ms Connolly (32 per cent) and Ms Humphreys (23 per cent).
