‘Good possibility’ Clinton will attend Irish economic forum
Mr Clinton’s potential participation in what is being flagged as Farmleigh II after 2009’s forum there, could help facilitate global coverage of the event.
More than 300 leaders from more than 30 countries from the business and culture sectors, among others, will attend the Dublin Castle event.
The Irish Examiner has learned that officials from the Department of Taoiseach are in talks with Mr Clinton’s advisers about his appearance at the event as a keynote speaker.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is also understood to have taken a personal role in encouraging the two-time US president to attend the event.
A speech given by Mr Clinton close to St Patrick’s Day in New York is said to have made an impression on officials drawing up plans for the two-day conference.
In his speech, Mr Clinton said Ireland would be “great and prosperous and wonderful again”. He also expressed concern about Ireland’s high suicide rate.
The conference on October 7 and 8 is expected to attract influential figures to discuss economic renewal and job creation as well as the restoration of Ireland’s reputation abroad.
A strong focus will be on engaging young leaders of the Irish diaspora, on trading in Asia and on developing the attraction of culture and education here.
Among those in attendance will be former Intel chief executive Craig Barrett, as well as members of government.
Costs will also be kept to a minimum with many participants already offering to foot their own accommodation costs in the capital.
When asked whether Mr Clinton would be attending the forum, a government source said: “There is a good possibility and we are aware that it is something he’d be interested in attending.
“Final confirmation as to whether the former president will attend has yet to be received.”
