Dan O'Brien, Noel Whelan and Ruari Quinn TD discuss the state of the economy. Chaired by Damien Kiberd.

Just ten days before The Lisbon Referendum Mark 2 the Ranelagh Arts Festival is delighted to welcome such a distinguished panel to debate 'issues' of the day concerning our economy and what the future holds for us indeed for Europe and the World. Not wanting to sound like The Skibereen Eagle, it is a great opportunity for a Ranelagh audience to participate in what is whatout doubt the No 1 topic of the day.

Dan O'Brien is a senior member of the editorial staff of the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. Over the past decade he has contributed to debate in Ireland on a range of issues through his writings and broadcast media appearances, and is best known for his regular appearances on RTE's PrimeTime and comment articles in the Irish Times. The publication of his new book 'Ireland, Europe and the World: Writings on a New Century' will coincide with the Ranelagh Arts Festival, and as a native of the village, he will be returning to Scoil Bhride, where he was educated to the age of 12, to participate in a discussion on some of the issues raised in the book.

Barrister, author and journalist Noel Whelan is one of the most sought after panellists on both Radio and TV, His Saturday column in the Irish Times is often thought provoking and he is considered one of 'the canniest' commentators on the Irish political scene, his 'The Tallyman's Campaign Handbook' are the definitive accounts of both the 2002 and the 2007 elections.

Ruairí Quinn TD continues a long line of high profile TDs that have represented the Dublin South East Constituency that includes Sean McEntee and Garrett Fitzgerald. Ruairí has being Leader of the Labour Party, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance. An architect by profession he has represented Dublin South East since 1973 and his book 'Straight Left' was a best seller and is considered among the most successful Irish political memoirs

Damien Kiberd is one of the most recognisable voices on Irish radio; Damien Kiberd is an award winning broadcaster and journalist. A graduate of Trinity College in Dublin, Damien was a founding member of The Sunday Business Post in 1989 and proceeded to edit the publication until 2001. Damien currently contributes to The Sunday Times where he writes a weekly column on Irish economics. Damien has won three coveted PPI Radio Awards for his broadcasting, two of which were in the competitive "News Programme of the Year" category and he currently hosts a daily talk show on 4fm.