Jim Gavin, Fianna Fail's candidate in the Irish presidential race, has quit the contest after acknowledging he "made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character".

His decision to drop out means there are just two people left: Fine Gael's candidate Heather Humphreys and left-wing independent Catherine Connolly.

Mr Gavin, 54, faced repeated questioning during a televised debate and subsequent media interest about claims he owed a former tenant €3,000 (£2,600) in overpaid rent dating back 16 years.

His departure from the race poses questions for his main backers in Fianna Fail, including the party leader and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin , who had some pushback within the party for driving Mr Gavin's candidacy.

Image: (L-R) Heather Humphreys, Catherine Connolly and Jim

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