A DECISION ON whether or not to change the design of an An Post stamp went all the way to the Cabinet yesterday, after the country’s cycling governing body took issue with it.

While it may initially seem a slightly odd thing for the Taoiseach and his ministers to be concerning themselves with, we’re told it’s not unusual for a decision on the nation’s stamps to go all the way to the top.

If you’re wondering what all of this has to do with cycling – it’s because the design of stamp ministers were asked to make a call on featured a cyclist pictured at dusk, wearing a high-vis jacket.

According to the Department of Communications the CEO of Cycling Ireland, Geoff Liffey, asked for a change that would show the leisure pursuit in a slightly better light.

He meant it literally, by the way.

From a department spokesperson:

Cycling Ireland has informed An Post that it is their goal for people to regard going for a cycle in daytime, whether to work, the shops or wherever, as a routine or normal activity rather than a hazardous one that requires high visibility clothing.

The change was made, following a recommendation from Minister Denis Naughten.

There are four stamps in the 2016 stamp programme relating to cycling – set to be released in September of this year.

According to An Post:

One of the designs was changed at a late stage and replaced by a stronger image, one more in tune with the theme and look of the overall set of four.

Usually designs are finalised by the time they are submitted for government approval but occasionally a later change is necessary.

- With reporting by Cormac Fitzgerald

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