CONFERENCE: Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was among the speakers at the one-day Killarney Economic Conference which took place at The Brehon today (Friday). Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Economic, civic and political leaders from Ireland, the UK and Europe, today (Friday) gathered at The Brehon Hotel for the third annual Killarney Economic Conference.

Brexit was one of the key topics on the agenda, with discussions based on its impact on Northern Ireland and Ireland’s economic and diplomatic relationship with Germany in a post-Brexit world.

Former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, reflected on the Good Friday Agreement and the likely impact of Brexit on the future of Northern Ireland.

The former Fianna Fáil leader also shared his views on the way forward for the North-South relationship.

Green Party leader Eamonn Ryan took time out from the campaign trail to join in the debate and also in attendance was Carwyn Jones, the former First Minister of Wales.

The one-day conference was preceded by a special interview with Mike Russell, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Constitutional Affairs and Government Business, last night (Thursday).

The high-profile event is sponsored by Kerry County Council.

“The event has become an important opportunity for experts to engage on important issues,” Kerry County Council’s Chief Executive, Moira Murrell, said.

Speakers lined up to discuss the key issues affecting rural development include Green Party leader Eamonn Ryan, Richard Byrne from Harper Adams University in the UK, Fraser Grieve, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, and Niamh O’Sullivan, Chief Officer, Local Community Development Committee, Kerry County Council.

Other speakers included Ralf Litteck, CEO of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce; Fiona Graham, Director of Policy at the Institute of Family Business and John McGrane, CEO of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce.