Peter Robinson and Angela Merkel on Tipperary Peace Prize shortlist

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former DUP Leader Peter Robinson and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson are among those nominated.

The overall award winner is due to be announced in the coming days with a presentation ceremony later this year.

There are total high 7 profile figures included on this year's shortlist for this year's Tipperary International Peace Award- previous recipients including UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, Richard Haas and Nelson Mandela.

On the shortlist for the 2015 accolade is outgoing Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson for his role in the establishment of power sharing at Stormont and German Chancellor Angela Merkel – whose open door policy brought around a million refugees to Germany  

Former president of Israel Shimon Peres – who was seen as a voice of reason and tolerance in the Middle East is also up for the award as is former Irish President Mary Robinson – who had been described as a transformative figure for Ireland.

The remaining three figures who have been shortlisted are US Secretary of State John Kerry and humanitarian, entrepreneur and adventurer Chris Catrambone and his wife Regina, who founded the Migrant Offshore Aid Station.