There is speculation in Ireland that politician Michael Lowry will discuss plans to build a large casino complex in Tipperary with US President Barack Obama when he visits the region in May.
A report in the Irish Independent states that Obama is to take a tour of Moneygall in County Offaly, once home to one of his ancestors. As one of the local political representatives, Lowry, who supports plans to build the €460m casino, racecourse and hotel complex in Two-Mile-Borris, is understood to be among those invited to the event.
The project has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly given the financial climate in Ireland and the fact that, to date, only small gaming properties have been developed there.
Lowry, however, has denied that he is planning to pitch the casino plans to the president, saying that he will only discuss plans for the complex’s centerpiece - a replica of the James Hoban-designed White House.
"I hope to get to talk to him not about the casino but about a different matter - a unique element of the project which will be an authentic, direct architectural replica of the White House," he told the newspaper.
