Afraid to put their case?

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of running away from debate on the proposed European Constitution by failing to provide speakers for a conference. (conference details attached) Usually impeccable sources tell me that the conference minus FF and FG may be blogged live by a Slugger regular.

16 Speakers from across the EU examine content and implications of EU Constitution

Sinn Féin and our partners in the European Parliament, European United Left/Nordic Green Left, are holding a 2 day conference this weekend on the EU Constitution. The event brings together 16 speakers from across the EU including MEPs, NGOs, trade unionists and academics.

The event is free and open to the public.
Ireland & the EU Constitution
Irish Film Centre, Eustace St, Dublin
Date: 28th & 29th May

Saturday 28th

Registration: 9am

Session 1: 9.30: Whats new in the EU Constitution?
A table of academics look at the new elements of the Constitution
Steve McGiffen
Gerard McCann
Ailbhe Smyth

Session 2: 10.45: MEPs platform
Three MEPs make the case against the Constitution
Bairbre de Brun – Sinn Fein (GUE/NGL)
Esko Sepannen – Left Alliance Finland (GUE/NGL)
Bernat Joan – Left Republicans Catalonia (Greens/EFA)

Session 3: 12.30: For & Against the Constitution
A key note debate between two prominent MEPs each arguing opposing sides of the Constitution debate.
Speakers to be confirmed

Sunday 29th

Session 1: 10.45: Civil Society Against the Constitution
A platform of NGOs outline the case against the Constitution
Trade Unionists Against the Constitution (England)
Matthew McGregor: Centre for a Social Europe (England)
Roger Cole: Peace & Neutrality Alliance (Ireland)
Lilian Halls-French – European Feminist Initiative Against the Constitution
Claudio Meloni: Attac (Italy)

Sesion 2: 12.30: Another Europe is Possible
A panel of MEPs and commentators looking beyond the EU Constitution
Aengus O’Sondaigh TD Sinn Féin
Jonas Sjostedt MEP – Swedish Left Party (GUE/NGL)
Deirdre de Burca – Green Party (Ireland)

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