Tony Benn to address TCD on Lisbon Treaty

‘None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm’- Henry David Thoreau

In the case of Tony Benn enthusiasm is one characteristic he must certainly does not lack. Benn will appear at a meeting organised by the Uí Chadhain/ Tone cumann in Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday, 6 May to address students on the forth coming Lisbon Treaty.

Having retired from Westminster in 2001 to spend ‘more time with politics’, Benn became one of the most recognisable figures on the British left in the House of Commons over the 35 years he held his seat. Benn, who has advocated the re-unification of Ireland and holds the position of president in the Stop the War Coalition, has been continually involved in left wing politics for his entire life.

Speaking on the impending visit of Mr Benn to Trinity, Muireann Meehan Speed of the Uí Chadhain/ Tone cumann said ‘we are honoured to be welcoming one of the most respected figures on the left of politics to the college to speak on the Lisbon Treaty and its implications. This is undoubtedly the most important decision the Irish people have faced for quite some time’.

Benn’s appearance in the college follows up the visit of Mary Lou McDonald in November and continues the series of meetings Sinn Féin are holding across the country aimed at securing a No vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum. The meeting will begin at 7pm in the Uí Chadhain lecture theatre on Tuesday 6 May.