The withdrawal of an invitation to Dr Jerry Cowley to participate in the Humbert-Davitt summer school is the antithesis of the openness that has characterised summer schools, according to Independent TDs Marian Harkin and Catherine Murphy.
In a statement issued yesterday to explain their withdrawal from a debate at the school on the role of Independents in politics, at which Dr Cowley was also to speak, they said: "We greatly regret we had to make this decision to withdraw from participation in a session which afforded an opportunity to put forward views in favour of the role of Independents in today's politics.
"One of the attractive features of summer schools is that they afford an important opportunity for open debate on issues of the day. Unfortunately, the withdrawal of the invitation to Jerry Cowley TD to participate in this debate, on the basis that he holds particular views, is the antithesis of openness.
"Respect for difference of views is central to the ethos of the technical group in the Dáil in which most Independent politicians participate. We were very heartened to hear John Hume emphasise the importance of such respect in his opening address to this summer school. Those of us who come from the community/voluntary sector greatly value this core principle."
The director of the school, John Cooney, said he regretted their decision. He said he would invite them to be his guests at the annual school dinner tomorrow evening, when the sisters of the murdered Robert McCartney will receive the Humbert-Davitt Justice Award.
Mr Cooney said the school was not in crisis, and described The Irish Times report on the cancellation of two of its key sessions as "tabloid".
The Champions of the West Award was given to Matt Farrell, president of the Ballina Chamber of Commerce, and Seán Hannick, chairman of the Council of the West. The school continues today with debates on religion and politics.