Fancy telling NATO spokesman Jamie Shea what you really thought of the organisation's intervention in the Balkans? Or giving lawyer Robert Shapiro your judgment on the innocence of one O J Simpson? Or maybe even showing feminist Germaine Greer the oratorical power of the male? These opportunities and many others could arise when guest speakers visit the chambers of some of our third-level debating societies during the forthcoming academic year.
This year's line-up of speakers includes the former president of the European Commission, Jacques Santer, at UCD's Law Society; he'll be speaking in Belfield on February 10th. Robert Shapiro, lawyer to the stars, will be a guest of both TCD and UCD's law societies in April as part of a joint venture between the two societies.
On October 8th, the Partnership for Peace will be the theme for a debate between NATO's Jamie Shea, Frances Fitzgerald (FG), John Gormley (Greens), Joe Higgins (Socialist) and a host of students at the Literary & Historical (L&H) Society in UCD.
As part of freshers' week in TCD, RTE's Joe Duffy will be speaking at the College Historical Society (the Hist) on October 6th.
TCD's University Philosophical Society - more affectionately known on campus as the Phil - has promised Germaine Greer, Camille Paglia and gay rights activist Peter Thatchell, who will also speak at UCC's Philosophical Society this year, but dates for all have yet to be confirmed. (The UCC Philosophical Society this year celebrates its 150th anniversary.)
While many students enjoy summers working in the US or on the continent, society officers spend some of their hard-earned holidays bombarding celebrities, politicians, authors and activists with letters inviting them to speak at their respective institutions.
"It is very difficult starting off writing to people, but once you get into a rhythm and develop contacts it becomes easier," says Patrick Smyth, auditor of UCD's L&H. "It's frustrating when people don't reply to letters, but when you get a big name it makes the effort all worthwhile."
For most societies, it is policy not to pay appearance fees - the invitation to speak at their university is seen as enough recompense - but often accommodation and travel expenses are covered by the college.
NUI Galway's Political Discussion Society (PDS) finds a question-and-answer format with a single guest works best, because of difficulty in getting several high-profile speakers to travel to Galway on the same night. "We are on the periphery here in Galway. It is much easier for Dublin societies," says Padraig O hUiginn of the PDS.
Guests at the PDS, speaking on separate nights in October and November, include the Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne, the UUP's Ken Maginnis, the British Ambassador Ivor Roberts, US Ambassador Michael Sullivan and media consultant Rupert Wilcox-Baker.
A debate on Northern Ireland, a popular topic in most societies and often the source of a passionate night of discussion, will take place at the Hist on October 20th. Colin Parry, whose son Tim was killed in the IRA bombing of Warrington, will chair a meeting involving former Taoiseach Dr Garret Fitzgerald, the UUP's Ken Maginnis, Gary McMichael of the UDP and the key adviser to the Taoiseach, Martin Mansergh.
Other speakers at the Hist include broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby and Lord Henry Mount Charles, speaking on the subject of the media on October 13th, President Mary McAleese on November 12th, and, after Christmas, Kenneth Starr - Bill Clinton's would-be nemesis.
Third-level debates are notorious for their controversial motions and heated exchanges between students and guest speakers. Most society officers would admit that, in most cases, the contributions of students make or break a debate.
In fact, getting involved can bring unexpected benefits. One TCD student impressed fashion designer Vivienne Westwood with her views on feminism and the catwalk at a Phil debate two years ago; the designer offered her a job soon after.
In recent years, some societies have eschewed traditional debating proceedings in favour of a more formal question-and-answer session between speaker and audience, so as to get more value from high-profile guests. Nevertheless, students can continue to voice their opinions in an intimate setting and an atmosphere that is tense, furious and highly entertaining.
