Acosta Captivates Audiences at Kennedy Summer School in Ireland

The Kennedy Summer School (KSS) in New Ross, Ireland, recently concluded a four-day festival that brought together discussions on Irish politics, culture, and history. This year’s event, held from March 12 to March 15, 2024, featured renowned speakers, including CNN journalist Jim Acosta, who drew significant attention with his insights into his experiences as Chief White House Correspondent.

The festival showcased a variety of topics, starting with the Global Horizons Trade and Economic Forum, which addressed issues from tariffs to the challenges facing the European Union. The event, organized in collaboration with the Wexford Chamber and Wexford County Council, set the tone for a festival that attracted sold-out audiences eager to engage with pressing contemporary issues.

One of the highlights was a tea party that replicated a similar gathering hosted for JFK during his 1963 visit. This year’s event featured broadcaster Seán O’Rourke, who led an engaging conversation with former TD Seán Connick. The discussion focused on Ireland’s political landscape, including reflections on the Haughey years and memorable journalistic moments.

The opening night featured an official welcome from Jarlath Burns, President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), followed by a screening of “From That Small Island,” a documentary exploring the history of Ireland. Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless, was a key speaker during the lunch event at the Arboretum, further enriching the festival’s dialogue.

A standout event occurred on the third day, where Jim Acosta captivated the audience with his recollections of working under President Trump. His reflections resonated deeply, especially during a panel discussion moderated by Southeast Radio’s Alan Corcoran, which examined the significance of local journalism in today’s media landscape.

The festival also featured an interview with author Colm Tóibín, who provided a humorous and poignant perspective on life in America under Trump’s administration. Topics ranged from political dynamics to cultural reflections, including a discussion on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the implications of changing tariffs on global economics. A recurring theme was the reluctance among American participants, regardless of political affiliation, to criticize Israel.

The closing remarks were made by Edward Walsh, the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, who emphasized the importance of seeking balanced solutions in a polarized world, quoting John F. Kennedy: “We should not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.” This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the KSS, which aims to foster dialogue and understanding.

Supported by organizations such as Fáilte Ireland and Purdue University, the Kennedy Summer School continues to grow, promising an engaging platform for exploring Irish and American relations. As Eileen Dunne, the KSS Chair, concluded, “Feicfimid sibh an bhliain seo chugainn, le cúnamh Dé,” indicating a commitment to return next year for further exploration of these vital discussions.