JIM GAVIN HAS ruled himself out as a candidate in the presidential election, but his name may still appear on the ballot due to official procedures.

After his shock withdrawal from the race for the Áras late last night, there appears to be a scramble behind the scenes to determine if Gavin’s name and picture will still have to appear on the ballot when the country goes to the polls.

An official at the Electoral Commission told The Journal it is their understanding that Gavin will remain on the ballot, given existing legislation that governs withdrawals.

However, the buck stops with the Presidential Returning Officer and the Department of Housing and Local Government.

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The Presidential Returning Officer is due to meet with Attorney General Rossa Fanning this afternoon to discuss the matter. 

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The legislation that governs Ireland’s presidential elections outlines that a candidate may withdraw “any time before the completion of the ruling on nominations”.

The Presidential Returning Officer ruled on nominations for this election on 24 September, ending the window in which a candidate can formally withdraw themselves from the race.

UCC politics professor Theresa Reidy told Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio this morning that it seems Gavin will indeed remain on the ballot because the period in which he could have withdrawn has elapsed.