DUBLIN, Ireland: Former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin has withdrawn from Ireland's presidential race, ending his campaign as Fianna Fáil's candidate less than three weeks before the election.

In a statement issued late at night on October 5, Gavin said he was stepping down "with immediate effect," citing personal reflection in recent days. He said his initial decision to run was motivated by "a spirit of lifelong public service and a love of country," but acknowledged that recent controversies had made his continued candidacy untenable.

Gavin had come under scrutiny following reports that he failed to register a rental property with the Residential Tenancies Board and allegedly owed 3,300 euros to a former tenant from 2009. The Irish Independent also reported that he and his wife, Jennifer, surrendered the property in Dublin's Smithfield area to the banks after running into financial difficulties.

In his statement, Gavin described the presidency as "the highest office in the land and the pinnacle of public service," saying it "must be untainted by controversy or distraction." He admitted to making "a mistake not in keeping with my character or the standards I set myself" and said he was taking steps to resolve the issue.

He added that he had also considered "the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the well-being of my family and friends" before deciding to withdraw. "I have decided to step away from the presidential election contest with immediate effect and return to the arms of my family," he said, expressing gratitude for the "encouragement and kind words" he received from the public during his campaign.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he understood Gavin's decision and believed it was the right one.

Despite his withdrawal, Gavin's name is expected to remain on the ballot for the October 24 election because of the late timing of his announcement. He was one of three confirmed candidates, alongside Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and independent TD Catherine Connolly.

His decision came after an Independent/Ireland Thinks poll on October 5 placed him last among the three contenders, with 15 percent support compared with Connolly's 32 percent and Humphreys' 23 percent.

Speaking earlier on RTÉ's The Week in Politics presidential debate, Gavin declined to elaborate on the tenancy controversy, saying only, "If it happened, I'm sorry it happened."