Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, world champion athlete Sonia O'Sullivan and Adi Roche, founder of the Chernobyl Children's Project are among the seven finalists in the European of the Year award, sponsored by the European Movement and CIE.
The award, in its eighth year, highlights the achievements of Irish people who have excelled in their chosen fields at European level.
The winner will be announced by President Robinson at a gala lunch on February 5th.
The other contenders are Michelle Smith, European swimming champion Mary O'Mahony, co founder and treasurer of the European Regional Council of the World Federation for Mental Health Grainne Kenny, chairwoman of Europe Against Drugs (EURAD) and Brendan Halligan, chairman of the Institute of European Affairs (IEA).