From warnings over Ireland’s US corporate tax exposure and a blistering assessment of Trump’s America to online radicalisation, the future of the Democratic Party, Irish politics and a celebration of the Kennedy legacy, the 2026 Kennedy Summer School has once again put New Ross at the heart of public disclosure.
The three-day event brought leading political figures, journalists, academics, economists, scientists and broadcasters to New Ross for a packed programme of discussion, debate and cultural events, building on the town’s historic connection with the Kennedy family and Ireland’s relationship with the United States.
One major talking point came from US trade expert Brad Setser, a former senior trade official and adviser in the Obama and Biden administrations, who warned that Ireland’s growing corporate tax receipts from US multinationals could become increasingly difficult for Washington to ignore.
Speaking at the Trade and Economic Forum, Setser said the scale of Ireland’s corporate tax take could become an issue in future US debates about the country’s finances, warning that Ireland may ultimately have to “adjust their economic model” if US tax policy changes.
Journalist Lara Marlowe delivered a powerful speech at the Kennedy Speakers’ Lunch, offering a forthright assessment of the political direction of the United States. She said the rise of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement had “totally reversed” America’s role in the world, describing it as “a very selfish, clumsy, incompetent giant”.
She called for the closure of Aughinish Alumina. “An investigation by the Irish Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment took four months to conclude that it had “no means” to determine whether alumina from Ireland is finding its way into Russian weapons that are used against Ukraine. Alumina, like money, is fungible. Even if Irish alumina is not finding its way into Russian drones and missiles, it frees up alumina for that purpose. The Irish argument is sophistry, not courage. The Irish government says 475 jobs would be lost if the Aughinish plant closes. But those who act on principle do so regardless of the cost.”
Her address received a standing ovation, while she also delivered a message of hope and the importance of courage in confronting political challenges.
Ireland-US relations were central to events at Saint Michael’s Theatre, when Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, officially opened the 2026 Summer School. In conversation with Mary C Murphy of Boston College, she reflected on Ireland’s relationship with the Trump administration and differences between Ireland and the US on foreign policy, including Gaza and Palestine.
The Ambassador also delivered a special message from Ted Kennedy Jnr, Kerry Kennedy, and Joe Kennedy III, thanking the people of New Ross and those involved in the Summer School for continuing “the legacy of the very important Kennedy family”.
The Kennedy connection was celebrated at the popular Afternoon Tea Party at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, hosted by RTÉ’s Teresa Mannion. The full house enjoyed music, stories and hospitality, including a specially recreated fruit cake made by the local ICA made from a recipe based on the cake served to JFK during his 1963 visit to New Ross.
A total of 180 primary school pupils took part in a STEM event with 23-year-old Purdue University aerospace researcher Abigail Mizzi, who is preparing to become the first student to conduct research in suborbital space aboard Purdue I. She encouraged the children to dream big, telling them: “This world is changing so fast, we’re innovating. This technology was not available when I was 10, so keep dreaming.”
Veteran broadcaster Pat Kenny also drew a full house at Saint Michael’s Theatre for a candid fireside conversation with Eileen Dunne, reflecting on more than 50 years in broadcasting, the changing media landscape and the figures he would still like to interview, including Barack Obama. Pat also ensured New Ross sat in the spotlight for the weekend, as he broadcast his ever-popular Newstalk radio show from the Dunbrody Visitor Centre on Saturday morning.
Online safety was another major issue, discussed with An Garda Síochána warning of the growing threat to young people from online gaming platforms, including grooming, radicalisation and organised crime. Andrew McLindon, Director of Communications with An Garda Síochána, said the situation was “accelerating all the time”, highlighting the need for greater attention to online gaming alongside social media.
American politics remained firmly on the agenda, with Maria Cardona taking part in a discussion on the future of the Democratic Party, the 2026 midterms and the road to 2028. The discussion examined affordability, healthcare, immigration and the Latino vote, as well as the potential for a crowded Democratic primary.
Larry Donnelly chaired a lively and sharply divided debate on the first months of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Panellists Sarah Ryan, Scott Lucas, David Quinn and Marion McKeown examined immigration defence, spending and tariffs, China and America’s relationship with its allies, with Sarah arguing that Trump’s appeal reflects voters’ frustration with a political establishment that has repeatedly failed to deliver, while Lucas offered a starkly critical assessment of the erosion of international alliances and democratic guardrails.
The programme concluded with a look at Irish politics, with Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Edward Timmins, Marie Sherlock and Conor McGuinness joining a panel chaired by Mark Hennessy. It offered one of the sharpest debates centred on whether Ireland is making strategic use of its unprecedented corporation tax revenues, with panellists warning that the current dependence on windfall receipts cannot continue indefinitely.
Other highlights included a lively discussion on 100 years of Fianna Fáil, a look at contemporary Irish writing and a highly entertaining discussion on hurling and its future. Guests also enjoyed some surprises over the weekend as Celtic Roots made a welcome return, the New Ross and district Pipeband continued to thrill new audiences, while at the annual lunch, former Kennedy Summer School Chairman Willie Keilthy was presented with a silver half-dollar and the new title of Honorary President of the JFK Summer School.
The Kennedy Summer School Directors include Eamonn Hore, Dr Brian Murphy, Larry Donnelly, Dr Charles Larkin, Prof Bríona Nic Dhairmada, Sinéad McSweeney, Sharon Doyle and Adrian Dillon. The Kennedy Summer School is supported by New Ross and District Council, the OPW, Wexford County Council, Purdue University, Failte Ireland and Boston College. Further details and audio recordings of the 2026 Kennedy Summer School can be found on https://www.kennedysummerschool.ie/
Chairperson of the Kennedy Summer School, Eileen Dunne, shared thatd the success of the 2026 event was a testament to the strength of the programme and the support behind it.
“We’re closing out another successful Kennedy Summer School. A big thank our supporters, sponsors, partners, volunteers and the local community whose commitment makes the Kennedy Summer School possible each year. And, of course, our thanks go to the organising team whose hard work behind the scenes ensures that the Summer School continues to grow and succeed.
“Once again, New Ross has provided a remarkable platform for conversations that matter, while keeping the Kennedy legacy at the heart of the programme. We look forward to building on this momentum for 2027.”
