The Donegal-based MacGill Summer School will take on a new all-digital format for 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s events have been pushed back to October and will be held completely online.
It is the first time in 40 years that the forum will not attract national and international guests to West Donegal.
For one week in July every year, Glenties normally becomes the centre of political life in Ireland as the MacGill Summer School hosts a unique forum for political, economic and social debates, lectures and reflections.
Featured photo: MacGill Summer School 2018: Director Joe Mulholland, with French Ambassador HE Stéphane Crouzat and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. (North West Newspix)
Organisers said it is obvious that this year’s event cannot take place in its usual format.
The 40th annual summer school will now take place from October 23rd to 26th and focus on Covid-19 and the world’s response to the pandemic.
Contributors, which have yet to be announced, will examine what progress has been made in the struggle against the virus and how people everywhere will live under the shadow of the constant threat.
Topics will also include how the new Irish government will lead the mammoth task of rebuilding the economy, alongside reducing carbon emissions and providing public services.
The role of the European Union in restoring morale and prosperity in Europe will come under discussion, as well as the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election in early November.
Joe Mulholland, Director said that the MacGill School will keep its links with Donegal by including snapshots of the county’s rich cultural life.
