2007 Greaves Summer School

by Democrat reporter

IN EXPLORING the frequently fraught relationship between labour, nationalism and republicanism in Ireland, this year's annual Desmond Greaves Summer School, which takes place at the ATGWU Hall in Dublin between Friday 24 and Sunday 26 August, is on course to be a particularly stimulating and lively event.

Previous visitors will, however, notice a change of venue. This due to the ongoing refurbishment of the Irish Labour History Society's premises at Beggars Bush barracks. Inspired by the works of work of the late C. Desmond Greaves, labour historian, Connolly Association activist, and editor of the Irish Democrat for 40 years, the school has played an important role in combating pro-imperialist trends within Irish historical research for nigh on two decades.

However, unlike many of Ireland's surfeit of 'academic' summer schools, it has never shied away from linking progressive historical and political analysis with the need for political action. It is for this reason that important questions arising from partition, the conflict in the north, the Irish peace process, neo-colonialism or the steady erosion of national sovereignty due to the EU, have long been a feature of the summer school.

With a range of topics relevant to past, present and, potentially, future political developments in Ireland, and a strong line-up of speakers, this year's school looks set to continue in a similar vein.

Another bonus is that fees for the Greaves Summer School remain modest at €6 per session, or just €20 for the full event. Students and the unwaged get in half-price.

Overall, it's an ideal event for anyone who's politically interested or engaged with the situation in Ireland, and for whom the prospect of progressive debate, in a convivial, comradely atmosphere, holds far more attraction than jostling with the hen and stag parties making a nuisance of themselves down in Dublin's Temple Bar.

For further details contact: Frank Keoghan, Summer School Director, 25 Shanowen Cerescent, Dublin 9, Ireland; tel. 00 44 353 1 8423076 or 00 44 87 2308330 (mobile)

Summer school programme:

Friday 24 August (7.30 pm)

Republicanism - a subversive ideology? Speaker: Dr Eddie Hyland (lecturer in political philosophy, Trinity College Dublin); chair: Dr Vincent Morley (historian and author) Saturday 25 August (11 am)

The Republican Congress. Speaker: Dr Emmet O'Connor (historian, Magee College Derry); chair: Manus O'Riordan (SIPTU head of research )

Saturday 25 August (2.30 pm)

Socialism, Nationalism and Republicanism: ideologies in conflict? Speakers: Eoin O Murchu (parliamentary correspondent, Radio na Gaeltachta), Seamus O Broagin (executive committee, Communist Party of Ireland); Finbarr Cullen (director, The Ireland Institute, Dublin); chair: Sinead Ni Bhroin (writer and Sinn Fein activist)

Sunday 26 August (11 am)

Peadar O'Donnell, Socialist and Republican - a reassessment. Speaker: Peter Hegarty (writer and broadcaster); chair: Declan Bree (alderman, former mayor of Sligo and Dail deputy)

Sunday 26 August (2.30pm)

Republicanism and Labour in Ireland Today: interaction and potential. Speakers: Eamon Gilmore (Labour Party spokesperson on the environment and local government); Eddie Glackin (SIPTU official); Tom Hartley (Belfast City councillor and former general secretary and national chairman of Sinn Fein); Dr Martin Mansergh (historian, adviser on northern issues to three Fianna Fail premiers and a long-term participant in the peace process); chair: Eamon Devoy (trade union official and ICTU executive committee member)