Ógra Shinn Féin attend event in Aras an Uachtaráin.

Ógra Shinn Féin attended an evening hosted by President Mary McAleese with the former President of Latvia, on Thursday 13 December in Aras an Uachtaráin. Aine Downes and Barry McNally were there to represent Ógra Shinn Féin at the evening. They were two of over 200 delegates at the event.

Dr Vaira Vike Freiberga, President of Latvia until May last, spoke on theme "Ideals versus Ideology". Dr Vike-Freiberga is an interesting woman and gifted speaker whose background as a child refugee in a divided Europe and as a former Head of State brought a distinctive perspective to this debate.

The address was followed by Q and A session led by President McAleees and De Vike Freiberga. Renowned musicians, Donal Lunny and Dúchas then took up the stage to conclude the formal events for the evening. Traditional Irish music and Irish dancers brought an end to the evening.

Participants then were invited to adjourn to the State Reception Rooms for the Aras for light refreshments.

Speaking on the event Aine Downes of Ógra said

“Dr Vaira Vike Freiberga is a very gifted orator and raised many stimulating and questioning issues. She spoke at length about how a nations values cannot be imposed upon another nation. This is very evident at the minute given US foreign policy in Iraq and Afghanistan, a policy which Dr Vaira Vike Freiberga herself supports. I found this in itself strange. The event as well as being an opportunity to engage with President McAleese and Dr Vaira Vike Freiberga was also an opportunity to engage with other youth groups throughout the island of Ireland.