The Fianna Fáil nominee Jim Gavin stated he is withdrawing from the race for Ireland's head of state with "immediate effect".
He was poised to be one of three candidates competing for the role of Irish president, alongside Independent candidate Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael.
Yet, on Sunday evening he said via a statement he had "made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character and his personal standards."
"After weighing these points, I've resolved to leave the presidential race right away and go back to my family," he said via a statement.
Further updates expected.
