Organisers of the Night & Day Festival have announced its political line-up, which includes five Cabinet members, for a series of debates at the inaugural event on September 24th and 25th.
On Saturday 24th, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Pippa Hackett will discuss ‘The Future of Rural Ireland’ with local TDs Claire Kerrane (Sinn Féin), Michael Fitzmaurice (Independent) and Denis Naughten (Independent).
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will discuss the issue of gender-based violence alongside a representative from Roscommon Safe Link, a domestic abuse charity, and Louise Burne, political reporter with the Irish Daily Mail.
Rounding up the debates on day one, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-West and party Justice spokesperson, Jim O’Callaghan, will debate Ireland’s drug laws with Independent MEP for Midlands-North-West Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, and Irish Daily Mail Political Correspondent and festival organiser, Craig Hughes.
Sunday’s line-up will include Sinn Féin TD for Dublin West and Housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin, who will discuss two of his passions, housing and music, with Craig Hughes.
Meanwhile, Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris will reflect on the politics of the pandemic with DMG Media Ireland Executive Editor John Lee.
Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman and Orwell prize-winning author Sally Hayden will discuss the challenges around migration and integration with Craig Hughes.
Also on Sunday, Minister for Arts and Culture Catherine Martin will debate ‘The Future of the Night Time Economy’ with DJ, producer and member of the Give Us The Night campaign R. Kitt.
Commenting on the announcement, festival organiser and political correspondent Craig Hughes said: “It’s great to be able to mix my two passions, music and politics. I’m really looking forward to some great agenda-setting debate with political heavyweights”.
The festival takes place on September 24th and 25th on the grounds of Clonalis House in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. As the last large-scale music festival of the season, Night & Day boasts a range of cultural acts as well as a fun, family-friendly itinerary that will entertain and engage children, parents, and friends in a relaxed environment.
