As we approach the end of Ireland’s decade of centenaries (2012-2023), Irish Studies at LMU hosted a discussion focused on the next Irish century. Our panelists explored the implications of Brexit and the proposed border poll for those in the North and South of Ireland. The conversation also highlighted possible future Irelands that are sometimes overlooked in discussions of Ireland’s constitutional future. What kinds of cultural, economic, and demographic changes in the coming decades will impact the future for those living on the island as well as the larger Irish diaspora?
Panelists:
Dermot Ryan is Associate Professor of English and Director of the Irish Studies Program at Loyola Marymount University.
Marcella Smyth is currently serving as Ireland’s Consul General to the South Western United States. Prior to this role, she served as Deputy Director for International Security Policy in Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, responsible for sovereignty issues as well as UN Security Council issues such as UN peacekeeping and protection of civilians.
Conor Houston is a lawyer, civic activist and politician. He is the inaugural Visiting Fellow of Irish Studies at Loyola Marymount University. In 2021, he was selected by the Social Democratic & Labour Party (SDLP) in Northern Ireland to be their candidate in the Strangford constituency in the Northern Ireland Assembly Election to be held in May 2022.
Marion McKeone is currently the US Correspondent for the Sunday Business Post and National Irish Radio/ Today FM. Marion was awarded the Newsbrands Foreign Correspondents Award for 2020 and 2021. She is also a regular contributor to RTE Radio and TV, Virgin Media, TV3, and BBC Radio.