Tony Benn to address TCD society

British politician Tony Benn will address students at Dublin's Trinity College today.

British politician Tony Benn will address students at Dublin's Trinity College today.

Mr Benn (82), who holds strong views against the war in Iraq and served as president of the Stop the War Coalition in 2004, will speak at the Historical Society's debate on the topic "War, Religion and Democracy".

The address by the veteran left-wing activist will herald the start of this week's Trinity's Intervarsity, which claims to be Ireland's largest and most prestigious debating competition.

The prolific diarist, who retired from politics in 2001, will also take part in the debate on the state funding of religious education.

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Previous guest speakers at the university in recent months included former Liberal Democrats leader Lord Ashdown, actor Al Pacino and Booker Prize-winning writer John Banville.

Former Miss World Rosanna Davison is also due to chair a debate next week. Church of Ireland Archbishop Dr John Neill will also be a guest chairman of the debate.