Why isn’t the great debate a listed event?

AFTER reading your supplement on Cork 2005 (Irish Examiner, October 8) I was disappointed to find no mention of the fact that Cork is hosting the European Debating Championships in March of next year.

This is the first time that an Irish university has successfully bid to host the competition. With over 150 teams from all over Europe involved, it is a huge addition to the events during Cork’s tenure as capital of culture.

It is unfortunate that the organisers of Cork 2005 have yet to agree on its status as a cultural event, despite the fact that it is being run by one of the country’s oldest cultural bodies, the Philosophical Society in UCC.

As the premier organiser of public debates in Munster, the society has shown an unparalleled ability to bring high profile speakers to Cork.

Ruairí Quinn last night followed hot on the heels of Dr Garret FitzGerald and Cllr Luke Flanagan last week.

After over 150 years of adding to the culture of the southern capital, it would be a shame if the philosophical society were excluded next year.

Conor Buckley

Recording Secretary

155th Session

AIB Philosophical Society

UCC

Cork