ieExplains: What does the Jim Gavin scandal mean for the presidential election?

While TDs and senators are due to hold their weekly parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday, some are agitating for an earlier convening to discuss the fallout from Mr Gavin’s campaign

Jim Gavin had initially said he had no recollection of the tenant and, at an RTÉ debate on Sunday, he said: 'If it happened, I’m sorry it happened.'

The exit of Jim Gavin from the presidential election has upended what was a fairly dull race, leaving just two candidates vying for votes ahead of October 24.

The unprecedented move by Mr Gavin leaves Fianna Fáil’s electoral hopes in tatters, with the party now expected to pick up the pieces in the hours before Budget 2026.