Wheelchair user Brian Crowley to run for President of Ireland

From Irish Central:

Wheelchair bound Brian Crowley (pictured) essentially announced his campaign to become Ireland’s next president on the top rated ‘Late Late Show’ in Ireland on Oct. 16.

Crowley, a Cork native from a long time Fianna Fail political family, is currently Ireland’s longest serving European Member of Parliament.

He has topped the poll in every election he has run in and would be a formidable candidate if selected by his party. He is running to replace current president Mary McAleese, who steps down next year.

Crowley, 46, was paralyzed from the waist down at age 16 when playing football on a roof. He fell to the ground from a height of thirty feet and also fractured his skull.

He may well face former Prime Minister Bertie Ahern for the top job. Ahern had indicated interest in the position which will be voted for at the end of 2011.

Other candidates who have announced include Senator David Norris, a gay member of the Irish senate, Labor Member of parliament Michael D.Higgins, and former Labor Party advisor Fergus Finlay.