UCG'S POLITICAL Discussion Society has planned three key debates on Northern Ireland over the coming weeks as the society continues to celebrate one of its most successful years yet.

The identity of this week's speaker had not been revealed at the time of writing, due toe security considerations, but auditor John Geary promises the guest is a key figure in Northern politics.

Next week, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness will be in UCG to address the society. McGuinness managed to get involved in a car accident at Bundoran, Co Donegal, the last time he was due to speak in UCG, so he will probably be hoping for better luck this time. He will be followed by the former Grand Master of the Orange Order, the Rev Martin Smyth MP, in the first week in March.

The Political Discussion Society was UCG's "Society of the Year" last year. Its future guests are likely to include Senator David Norris and former EU Commissioner Peter Sutherland; the society will also host Galway West general election hustings. Its events area open to the public and further information is available from the university.