Anna-Marie Flynn
AN TAOISEACH Brian Cowen and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny could be going head-to-head in Ballina next month – that’s if the Government leader accepts his invitation to north Mayo.
While Deputy Kenny has confirmed he will attend the 22nd General Humbert Summer School, taking place over four days in various venues in Ballina, Killala and Lacken, organisers are still awaiting a response from An Taoiseach.
However, given the Taoiseach’s family connections in the area, it is expected he will make an appearance.
Founder and director of the Humbert School, John Cooney, told The Mayo News he is hopeful that the Taoiseach will attend but, contrary to reports, has not had any official confirmation.
He did, however, reveal that Labour’s deputy head Joan Burton and Fianna Fáil’s veteran TD Mary O’Rourke will be taking to the podium to discuss the weekend’s three themes, which all centre on the fallout from the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.
“We are commencing the programme with a discussion on the challenges facing the Government, including the recession. This will be followed by a debate on Friday morning between Deputy Burton, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Ballina-based TD Dara Calleary,” said John Cooney.
The Lisbon Treaty will again be discussed in detail in a debate involving Deputy Mary O’Rourke and Deputy Editor of The Irish Catholic, Michael Kelly.
The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, will also lend his weight to the event when he gives a keynote address in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland cathedral in Killala.
“We are delighted to have Dr Brady on board and his address will round off the weekend in a very special way,” said Mr Cooney.
The summer school commemorates French republican General Jean Joseph Humbert who sailed to Mayo with 1,100 soldiers during the 1798 Rebellion.
