Dundalk to host major youth political conference this weekend
The event is hosted this year in the home county of YFG President Jamie Malone
Young Fine Gael Summer School to focus on Ireland’s EU Presidency Priorities, Garret FitzGerald Centenary, and looks to the Island’s Future in Cross-Border Panel Discussion
Young Fine Gael’s (YFG) annual Garret FitzGerald Summer School will take place in Dundalk from 10–12 July, bringing national and international speakers, policy debates, and youth political engagement to Louth for a full weekend of events.
The event is hosted this year in the home county of YFG President Jamie Malone and will explore the major themes shaping Ireland and Europe’s future, including competitiveness, defence and security, EU enlargement, and the future of the Island.
The event coincides with two significant national milestones in the organisation: Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the centenary of the birth of former Taoiseach and YFG founder, Dr Garret FitzGerald.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Jamie Malone, President of Young Fine Gael and local of Stonetown County Louth, said:
“I am incredibly proud to bring the Garret FitzGerald Summer School to Dundalk this year. Garret’s legacy - his commitment to European integration, to peace built on dialogue across communities on this island is woven through every part of our programme. As Ireland takes on the EU Presidency, and as Fine Gael begins work on our party’s vision for the future of our island, this is the right moment for young people to step forward and shape the conversation.”
The Summer School follows the recent announcement by Fine Gael Leaders and Tánaiste Simon Harris that the party will develop a new Blueprint for a Unified Island, to be published at the party’s Ard Fheis in November. The conference features a cross-border panel discussion on this matter with Emer Currie TD, Head of the Fine Gael Northern Engagement Group which is spearheading this policy work, as well as Sinéad O'Neill, Vice-Chair of the SDLP, and Mark FitzGerald, son of former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald.
Tristan Graves, Chair of the Louth Young Fine Gael branch, added:
“Louth is the perfect place to host this discussion, a border county with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of sharing this island. Young people here know that unity is not an event but a process, and that it must be built on honesty, inclusion and real engagement. We are delighted to welcome members from across the country to Dundalk for a weekend of debate, learning and community.”
The weekend will feature panel discussions with Ministers, MEPs, academics, and international guests, alongside policy motions, a model EU Council negotiation simulation, and a mock selection convention for aspiring candidates, as well as social events on Friday and Saturday night of the conference. Speakers across the weekend include Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade and Defence Helen McEntee, local TD Paula Butterly, Nina Carberry MEP, academic experts Professor Kenneth McDonagh and Professor David Lewis, Economist and columnist David W. Higgins, as well as international guest speakers from the European People's Party (EPP).
Those interested in attending any part of the programme can purchase day tickets, making the event accessible to students, young professionals, and any young person who wishes to engage with the discussions. The event is open to those aged 15-35, and general admission tickets can be purchased by both YFG members, and non-members.
“We want young people from within and outside of our organisation to engage with the programme and we encourage anyone with an interest in local, National, and European politics to attend our event to engage in these important discussions, and hear from a great lineup of speakers across the weekend,” Malone added.
The conference will begin in McGeough's Pub on Friday evening at 7pm with an opening ceremony and social event, the main conference itinerary will begin on Saturday at 10am in the Muirhevna Building in DKIT concluding at 5pm in time for Louth's All-Ireland Semi-Final continuing in the evening with a watch party for the match followed by a social event. The conference itinerary will recommence Sunday morning in the Gateway Hotel at 10am and conclude at 2pm.