Oireachtas to host 'festival of politics'

Leinster House is running a week-long “festival of politics” in October in a bid to broaden its appeal to the public.

Leinster House is running a week-long “festival of politics” in October in a bid to broaden its appeal to the public.

The Oireachtas said the event will feature "former TDs and Senators, international guests and media personalities".

Leinster House is already throwing open its doors to parents and children later this month for Oireachtas Family Day.

The designated date on Saturday, June 28th had to be extended by another day to accommodate the 8,000 people who snapped up the free tickets.

The Festival of Politics from October 6th to 11th  will be co-ordinated by a festival producer and a public relations firm during the summer recess.

An Oireachtas spokesperson said: "The programme will consist of events that connect the Dáil and Seanad and its members to an even broader public audience.

"There will be an array of high-profile commentators, former members of the Oireachtas, international guests and media personalities, all of whom will be chosen on the basis that they will add popular appeal to this major exercise in promoting public interest in Irish politics."

"The Houses of the Oireachtas aims to promote public understanding of and an interest in the work of the parliament via the implementation of its communications strategy."

Plans are also afoot to set up an Oireachtas TV Channel - modelled on BBC Parliament - to broadcast live and recorded coverage of the Dáil and Seanad.

The Oireachtas Family Days later this month will feature free events such as circus acts, musical performances and students of the Gaiety School of Acting performing famous Irish political speeches.