Evening of political debate to take place at Dean Crowe tomorrow

An evening of political debate takes place in the Dean Crowe Theatre tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.
Marking 40 years of European membership and Ireland’s succession of EU presidency, Leviathan Political Cabaret will be visiting towns across the country throughout the month of April hosting evenings of frank discussion, debate and entertainment on what European citizenship has given Ireland and how citizens see their future within Europe.
The first ‘Communicating Europe’ show will take in Athlone’s Dean Crowe Theatre on Tuesday, April 9, at 8pm and admission is free.
The first in the series of shows will see Will Faulkner of Midlands 103fm host what is expected to be a lively debate. Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton, international environmental consultant Jack O’Sullivan, CEO of Irish Rural Link Seamus Boland and former Minister and Fianna Fáil deputy leader Mary O’Rourke are the panel members for the Athlone show.
Leviathan regular Paddy Cullivan, also of the Late Late show’s houseband The Camembert Quartet, will be on hand with his humorous banter to kick off the evening’s discussion. Paddy will also be in charge of the roaming microphone that will be available to the audience encouraging their input and interaction.
Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton said: “I am very excited about participating in these dialogues, which will be our flagship event to mark European Year of Citizens in Ireland. This is a unique opportunity for people to engage on the future of the European Union and their place within it. From the early stages of preparations for our EU Presidency I was absolutely clear that we needed to hear from people all over Ireland about the direction Europe should be taking; where we are going and how we should get there. This process will culminate in a major event which will take place in Dublin Castle during Europe week with the Taoiseach, other members of Government and I.”
Leviathan political cabaret, created in 2003 by Naoise Nunn is a live show that offers a public forum for debate and discussion. It is designed to entertain, inform and empower through satire, comedy and music. Leviathan has often been hosted by David McWilliams and has featured Bob Geldof, Dara O’Brian, Des Bishop, former Government Ministers and current Irish president Michael D. Higgins as previous panel members.
“The most important element of this roadshow is the public. They offer an authentic voice often unheard in mainstream media. There is a deepening awareness of the role the EU plays in our lives and whether you get stuck into the topical debate or passively enjoy the entertainment, the aim of ‘Communicating Europe’ is to inform, entertain and engage,” said Naoise Nunn, producer of Leviathan.
‘Communicating Europe’ in Athlone is the first of a series of live shows debating Europe to mark Ireland’s 40th year of European membership and presidency of the European Union.