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Former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, will deliver the opening address and share his thoughts on Brexit at next week’s Killarney Economic Conference.
Taking place on Thursday and Friday next, January 17 and 18, at The Brehon/INEC complex in Killarney, the event is a highly anticipated gathering of economic, civic and political leaders, from Britain and Ireland.
The conference will begin at lunchtime on Thursday, January 17 with a half-day forum followed by dinner that evening. On Friday, January 18 the debates and discussions continue for a full day conference.
It is 12 months since DUP leader, Arlene Foster, made the symbolic and conciliatory gesture of addressing the inaugural Killarney Economic Conference, but one year on, the Irish border backstop remains the key issue in the Brexit withdrawal process.

This is aptly timed with the UK parliament poised to vote on Theresa May’s withdrawal deal that same week. The outcome, impact and implications of that vote will be discussed by the expert panel of speakers, drawn from business, academia and politics.
Specific topics for discussion include an exploration of the legal issues raised by Brexit, building a collaborative and open political future, the challenges posed to businesses and how to respond and the regulatory fall-out in banking and finance.
“Our conference this year takes place in a critical and historic week and there is still so much uncertainty,” Dr William Sheehan, conference organiser and historian, said.
“Our goal is to bring some light to the way ahead for businesses and organisations and, given the calibre of our speakers, I know we will do that.”