DONEGAL minister Charlie McConalogue said the controversy surrounding Jim Gavin’s withdrawal from the presidential race is a low moment for the party.

Fianna Fáil has been left without a candidate in the presidential election after Gavin confirmed on Sunday night that he was pulling out of the race.

It came after revelations that a tenant in a property Jim Gavin owned 16 years ago did not receive a refund they had sought after an overpayment of rent.

Mr Gavin said in a statement that he made a mistake which was not in keeping with his character and he is taking steps to address the matter.

He also spoke about the impact of the campaign on his family when making his decision.

His name will still appear on the ballot paper when the country goes to the polls on Friday, October 24, along with the two remaining candidates, Heather Humphries and Catherine Connolly.

Minister McConalogue – the Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport – said Mr Gavin had made the right decision.

“For Jim himself, and for his family, on a human level, it’s been a very challenging few days but unfortunately it’s something that can happen in politics. It was the right decision to withdraw,” he said.

Asked about the impact the controversy has had on the party, Minister McConalogue said: “It‘s a big disappointment for the party.

“It’s very disappointing that we won’t have a Fianna Fáil candidate in the race.

“On top of that, the public will be disappointed that there’s now one less candidate to choose from.”

McConalogue will attend a parliamentary party meeting on the issue on Wednesday.

“It’s a low moment for the party in relation to how things have developed,” he said.

“There will have to be a review into what happened and a full assessment of how we got to where we are.”