A 'wheelbarrow' is set to deliver presidential pitch to Tipperary councillors

Ireland will go to the polls to elect its next President on 24 October, but before voters see a ballot paper, local councils must decide which hopefuls deserve a nomination. In Tipperary, one of the more unusual contenders is Barry Wheely-Row, a Kerry wheelbarrow said to be the alter ego of writer Stephen Murphy, who is seeking the county’s backing.

The wheelbarrow is one of 16 people and personalities who have contacted Tipperary County Council expressing an interest in securing its nomination. Each will be invited to make a presentation before councillors at a special meeting in Nenagh next Tuesday, September 16. For most candidates the requirement to submit a passport and proof of age three days in advance is routine. For a wheelbarrow it could prove trickier.

The date for the meeting was confirmed at the September sitting of Tipperary County Council in Clonmel. Meetings Administrator Ger Walsh explained that the Council’s Corporate Policy Group had met the previous Friday and agreed to fix 16 September as the date.

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The proposal was put forward by Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Pat English of the Workers & Unemployment Action Group and seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Mark Fitzgerald.

Mr Walsh told councillors that while 16 expressions of interest had been received, the eventual number of presentations may be fewer, as local authorities across the country are holding similar nomination meetings this week.

Whoever does appear in Nenagh will need to make their pitch directly to councillors in person. Only one candidate can ultimately secure Tipperary’s nomination, which must be lodged by the 24 September deadline.

Until then, the race remains open, and perhaps even wide enough to roll a wheelbarrow through.