He pointed to a “mistake” that emerged recently as the reason for his decision. Micheal Martin, the leader of Fianna Fail and Taoiseach, who faced some opposition within the party for supporting Mr. Gavin’s candidacy, stated that stepping down from the campaign was the “right decision.” The aviation official’s campaign faced several issues, including allegations of not returning thousands of euros in overpaid rent to a former tenant, failing to register the tenancy, and using drone footage in promotional videos that violated regulations. The Irish Independent shared a tenant’s account claiming they were unable to recover 3,000 euros (£2,600) in overpaid rent from Mr. Gavin 16 years ago. The former candidate admitted to financial struggles at the time, resulting in the loss of the property, and acknowledged the tenancy was not officially registered. He expressed to reporters: “If it happened, I deeply regret it. I’m investigating the matter and will address it urgently.” In a statement released through the Fianna Fail press office late Sunday night, he remarked: “When I declared my intention to run for the presidential election, it was with a lifelong dedication to public service and love for my country. That has always been my sole motivation. I have a profound belief in this country, its aspirations, its hopes, and above all, its people. The office of Uachtaran na hEireann is the highest in the land and represents the pinnacle of public service. It must remain free from controversy or distraction. I was aware the campaign would be tough and demanding, and those who know me understand that I have never shied away from a challenge. I have always aimed to act with honor and integrity. However, recent events have prompted me to reflect. I made a mistake that does not align with my character and the standards I hold myself to. I am now taking steps to rectify the situation. I have also considered the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the well-being of my family and friends. Taking all these factors into account, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest immediately and return to my family.” Mr. Gavin, one of three candidates alongside Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and independent Catherine Connolly, will remain on the ballot. His decision to exit followed a Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll placing him last with 15%, behind Ms. Connolly (32%) and Ms. Humphreys (23%). Mr. Gavin added: “Throughout this campaign, I have been humbled by the support and kind words I received. Many people have gone out of their way to support me in numerous ways, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to them. I truly hope you understand my decision and do not feel disappointed.” In a statement, Mr. Martin said: “Jim has accomplished a great deal in his life. His dedication to service and helping others has always, rightly, defined his character and his esteemed reputation with the public. Jim has acknowledged making an error regarding a recent issue. He himself has stated that the office of Uachtaran na hEireann is the highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service. He is clear that he does not wish to bring controversy to this office. This has been a very challenging decision for Jim, given his commitment to public service. I wish him well. I have no doubt he will continue to make a significant contribution to Irish life and society.” Jim Gavin (right) appeared in a TV debate with Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys (Niall Carson/PA). The 54-year-old from Dublin was not a career politician but was endorsed as the preferred candidate by Mr. Martin. Mr. Gavin, a married father of two, is best known for managing the record-breaking Dublin team that won five consecutive All-Ireland Championships. Before his time as a football manager, he won the championship as a player in 1995. Hailing from Clondalkin, Mr. Gavin’s 20-year career with Ireland’s Defence Forces was highlighted by Mr. Martin as a reason he would make an “outstanding” president. He served as a commissioned officer, military pilot, and chief flying instructor. In 2010, Mr. Gavin was appointed chief of military aviation for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic and Chad. During the campaign, he stated he never witnessed bullying or sexism throughout his military career and added that he had “championed” the Women of Honour support group, which had come forward with such experiences. While welcoming his comments, a spokeswoman for the Women of Honour mentioned they had never had any contact with the Fianna Fail candidate. Retired Army and Air Corps captain Diane Byrne also found it “difficult to understand” how Mr. Gavin and others in high-ranking positions did not notice bullying. She mentioned having no issues with Mr. Gavin during her limited interactions with him in the Defence Forces but told the PA news agency: “On a broader issue of people who reach certain positions in the Defence Forces, it is difficult to understand how they did not see it.” Ms. Byrne suggested there were broader cultural problems within the Defence Forces where officials did not address ongoing issues with members. Mr. Gavin also had to clarify remarks about Israel’s war in Gaza after telling Virgin Media News: “It’s unconscionable that the bombing is still taking place when I believe that the military objectives have probably been reached for that military campaign.” Opponents criticized the comments and asked him to clarify what he believed the “military objectives” were, but he later stated his remark was taken out of context and that “what is happening in Gaza is genocide.