José Manuel Barroso to get honorary doctorate at UCC

One of the world’s most powerful men will deliver a keynote address to the people of Ireland when he visits Cork next week.

European Commission president José Manuel Barroso has asked to deliver a 25-minute speech when he is awarded an honorary doctorate at University College Cork on Wednesday, March 5. It is believed he has a specific message he wishes to convey to the country.

He is expected to address Ireland’s progress since the bailout and how the country fits in with Europe.

The 57-year-old, who is in his second term as commission president, will be awarded the honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at a special ceremony in UCC.

Michael Murphy, the president of the college, said the honour was being bestowed on Mr Barroso to acknowledge the vision and commitment he has demonstrated at the helm of the commission since 2004.

“As his second term in office draws to a close, in his wake rests a legacy that fulfils his own motto: ‘Educate, connect, inspire’ — admirably,” Dr Murphy said.

“In honouring him, we also recognise the role that the European Union has played in the transformation of Irish universities, including UCC, over the past 20 years.”

A reception will be held for Mr Barroso afterwards, which will be attended by a number of guests from the worlds of education, business, politics, industry, government, and the wider community.

* The UCC event will be streamed live at http://www.ucc.ie/en/live from 6pm next Wednesday.