4th John Hume European ‘Spirit of Peace’ Lecture

John Hume was a committed and dedicated European, seeing the institutions and ethos of the European Union as models for peace, partnership, and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The John Hume 'European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture recognises those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to European principles and values. The IIEA is honoured to host the fourth edition of the ‘European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture which was delivered by Simon Coveney TD, former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. About the Speaker: Simon Coveney TD served as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 2022 to 2024. He also served as Deputy Leader of Fine Gael from 2017 to 2024. He previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence and was Ireland’s Brexit spokesperson through the Brexit negotiations. Mr Coveney was Tánaiste from November 2017 to June 2020 and has also held roles as Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Mr Simon Coveney  represented Cork South Central constituency from 1998 to November 2024.