Leinster House Open Day
Updated : Jun 11, 2009
The corridors of power in Leinster House will open to the public for a second time this month. And in a further bid to inspire people to engage more in politics re-enactments of some of the Dáil’s most stirring debates will take place.
Passionate exchanges between Eamon De Valera and Michael Collins over the Treaty and the row over Ernest Blyth’s shilling cut in the pension in 1924 will be brought back to life as part of the Oireachtas Family Fun Day.
Other key events in political history will also be staged including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s landmark address to a Joint Oireachtas sitting in 1998.
As part of the celebrations 1,500 visitors will have a chance to explore the Dáil and Seanad chambers.
Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue believes high numbers of people will attend.
“Last summer we saw an unprecedented public demand to attend family day and many thousands of people who wished to attend could not be accommodated.
“This level of interest makes a clear statement that people do wish to connect with their parliament.â€
Alongside Irish history and music, there will be international influences with Afro-Brazilian and West African music and dance during the open day, now in its second year.
A photojournalism exhibition, Commemorating 90 years of Dáil Eireann, has also been planned
Cathaoirleach Senator Pat Moylan said: “I believe the event can inspire people to increase their engagement with politics as well as being a fun day out for families.â€
The free event will take place on June 27 and 28 in the grounds of Leinster House.
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