Den, here is another perspective on the decision by Noel Maguire to withdraw.
It comes from an interview with Pat McGeown (OC of H Block 6 and one of the strike organisers) in 1985.

"(Maguire) asserted his intention to stand right up until the hour before nominations closed. Sinn Fein members were standing by to withdraw Sands' papers if Maguire went ahead.
A visit by Adams and O'Connail (IRA Army Council member) and ....
the Sands family finally persuaded him against it."

I am sure it did.
Most people would be "persuaded"