MacGill Summer School

Tune in to #MacGill25! 📺 Watch here: donegalcoco.public-i.tv/core/portal/ho… In association w/ @NotreDame

The 45th @MacGillSchool concluded last night after three days of energetic discussion, differing opinions, and audience feedback. That openness is worth celebrating in our time, @NDIrishStudies Director Colin Barr said. “This is something that you in Ireland should be proud of.”

Seán Gallagher argues that there’s value in the President staying above the political fray: "we don’t want conflict between the Taoiseach and the President... but as David said earlier, the President can still play a role in shaping long-term national direction.” #MacGill25

Minister @ThomasByrneTD says Ireland must invest in its neutrality and that true neutrality means not relying on Russia to approve peacekeeping. The Triple Lock needs reform, but he is firm that: “Ireland is not joining NATO — I’m saying that all over Europe.” #macgill25

Our PI, Prof @RoseAnnekenny1, was quoted in @IrishTimes after speaking at the @MacGillSchool last week, highlighting how early life circumstances can accelerate ageing. “Children experiencing depression, homelessness, & uncertainty age faster." bit.ly/4lFfkjm @tcddublin

This morning begins with a discussion of 'Northern Ireland in a Fractured World' 🎙️ Dr. Caoimhe Archibald @CArchibald_SF Minister for the Economy @Economy_NI is in conversation with Noel Doran, former Irish News editor 📸 with @vincemccarthy and Prof Colin Barr of @NotreDame

1st time @MacGillSchool Macgill summer school in lovely Glenties. I/V ed Ireland's European affairs min @ThomasByrneTD He's backing EU Cmsn on trade + will raise case of Mohammed Baraka with @kajakallas + @vonderleyen. Gaza man let go in mid of war by EU theguardian.com/world/2025/jul…

Coverage of yesterday’s @MacGillSchool panel, “Fractured World Order: Where Does Europe Stand?” From @MarkHennessy of the @IrishTimes: irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/0…

📢 Day 3 Highlights! @ThomasByrneTD @CArchibald_SF @MaryHanafin1 @seangallagher1 @SJAMcBride @ShonaMurray_ @LCreighton @marklittlenews @KateNicDho @lisaocarroll @CiaranCuffe @bill_emmott @DearbhailDibs @dkennytcd @ihrobertson @BrigidLaffan @NotreDame @donegalcouncil

Prof. Robertson @ihrobertson warns that lowering the barriers to presidential candidacy could open the door to manipulation. He draws parallels with Brexit and the influence of social media in mobilising disillusioned voters. 🗳️ #macgill25 @NotreDame @NDIrishStudies

🗳️ Mary Hanafin at #MacGill25 highlights a key flaw in the system: To run for President as an independent, you need support from TDs, Senators or councils — most of whom are party-aligned. In practice, voters only get to choose from party-approved candidates. @NotreDame

💶 Gallagher: Some say the presidency costs too much — €10m a year, €140m over two terms. 📊 They argue the money could go to housing or healthcare. 🌍 But the presidency holds real symbolic power abroad — a "multiplier effect" that pays for itself. #MacGill25

🎙️Prof. @dkennytcd : “It’s a fascinating office — very unusual. There are few heads of state like it in the world: a presidency with very few formal powers.... Legally and constitutionally it’s modest — but as we’ve seen, it can carry enormous national influence.” #MacGill25

Last session of a fantastically organised @MacGillSchool "Let's talk about the Presidency" with @MaryHanafin1 , @seangallagher1 @DearbhailDibs !! Great to catch up with my #Donegal colleague @charleswardtd

Final @MacGillSchool session for 2025 on the Presidential election autumn 2025

The final panel of #MacGill25 is starting. Let’s Talk About The Presidency: 🎙️ Chair: Dearbhail McDonald 🗣️ Panelists: – Mary Hanafin, Seán Gallagher, Prof. Ian Robertson, and David Kenny @NotreDame

Glad to take to the stage at @MacGillSchool to discuss Ireland’s position in a fractured world with @lisaocarroll. An engaging discussion on EU-US trade, why we need to reform the Triple Lock, the situation in the Middle East, our place within the EU, and much more! #macgill25

On US-Ireland Economic ties: @ThomasByrneTD recalls a conversation in a restaurant last night: Someone told me we’re too dependent on US multinationals.... I cheekily said: do you remember Ireland before them? FDI has been central to our success #MacGill25

Great session on Europe at @MacGillSchool @lisaocarroll @CiaranCuffe @ShonaMurray_ Bill Emmet & Eoin Drea. Focus on tariffs, Ukraine, security &defence

Mary Gallagher, dean of @KeoughGlobalND, is in Ireland this week for the @MacGillSchool in County Donegal. She was interviewed on @rte this morning for a segment about President Trump, tariffs, and China. 🔊 Listen here: rte.ie/radio/radio1/c…

More news coverage from @MacGillSchool, which wraps up today in Glenties, Co. Donegal. “Lucinda Creighton: ‘Our national conversation is all around things that are irrelevant’” thejournal.ie/gossip-politic…