Posted by JIM Gavin has sensationally dropped out of contention for the Aras after “a mistake that was not in keeping with his character”.
The move comes after the Fianna Fail candidate faced a grilling over owing a former tenant €3,300 and other controversies related to his campaign.
Confirming his decision to quit, the Dublin native said recent days gave him “cause to reflect”.
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin – who had faced backlash within the party for pushing Gavin’s candidacy – said the move by the ex-Dubs coach to quit the race was the “correct one”.
Earlier today during a grilling on RTE, he revealed he was currently investigating reports that he owes a former tenant at an apartment he owned in Blackhall Square in Dublin the substantial sum of cash from 2009, adding he did not have “all the information” about the matter.
It relates to a dispute with the former tenant, initially reported in the Irish Independent, around the time that his own family came into financial difficulty and lost the apartment.
He added: “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.”
Reacting tonight, Taoiseach Martin said he understood Gavin’s decision to cease his campaign.
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