Today's statement from Mairead McGuinness came out of the blue.
Clearly a few people in the upper ranks of Fine Gael knew in advance that she was withdrawing from the race for the Áras.
Several statements from them came in quite quickly after Mairead McGuinness’s own statement.
But really we are seeing a clear understanding that she has to follow doctor’s orders and that a presidential campaign, as gruelling as it can be, is not for someone who is not in the best of their health.
Mairead McGuinness was seen as a very strong contender. She was one of the first names mentioned for Fine Gael in the race. This was her second time to seek the party's nomination so it was clearly a painful decision to make.
And, in terms of the lead candidates, Mairead McGuinness and Catherine Connolly were seen as having a big advantage.
Catherine Connolly also has a clear pathway to nomination.
The Independent TD has the support of the Social Democrats and Labour. Today, Ms Connolly paid tribute to Mairead McGuinness but clearly everyone is in shock here in Leinster House.
In the coming days, Fine Gael will need to look for a replacement candidate.
The pressure will be on.
Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have said they will make a decision in the coming weeks about whether they will field their own candidates.
And now Fine Gael has that same issue too, having previously been seen as having a head start in the race.
Other Fine Gael names were previously linked to the race for the Áras.
MEP Séan Kelly withdrew from the race.
Frances Fitzgerald, a former minister for justice, also took her name out.
And Heather Humphreys was another name that had been mentioned in relation to the presidency.
Whether those people will come forward now at this stage is unclear.
Outside of the main parties, there are other names too.
Gareth Sheridan launched his own campaign – perhaps an unlucky day to do so given the headline news today.
We also heard from Tony Holohan today, the former chief medical officer. He said he’s still considering his options. Things may change for him too with today’s developments.
Michael Flatley today refused to be drawn on whether he was running but we have previously heard from his lawyers that he would be seeking nominations in due course.
