Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader of The US House of Representatives visits Trinity

Mar 14, 2012

Democratic Leader of The United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi was presented with the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage by The University Philosophical Society (The Phil) on Tuesday March 13th last.

Leader Pelosi was honoured by The Phil for her excellence in public life and outstanding contribution to politics at its inaugural meeting of its 327th session. She delivered an address at the meeting entitled E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One during which she focused her remarks on the democratic ideal that the United States and Ireland share.

Leader Pelosi with her Gold Medal of Patronage with the Vice-Provost, Prof Linda Hogan (centre) and President of The Phil, Eoin O’Liatháin.

Leader Pelosi, who has been the highest-ranking female politician in American history, commented: “It is a special privilege to be installed Honorary Patron of The University Philosophical Society, the world’s oldest debating society, while commemorating my 25th year in Congress. I am honoured and humbled to receive this distinction in such an historic setting for dialogue and debate”.

University Philosophical Society President Eoin O’Liatháin said: “We’re delighted to welcome such a distinguished guest to Trinity. The Phil has recorded the presence of many notable speakers throughout our history and it’s great to continue in that vein. Leader Pelosi has contributed greatly to the world of politics and will be a truly special guest”.

The Phil is the world's oldest student society. The society can trace its heritage to 1684 and has a long list of past members including Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, George Berkeley, Sir William Petty and David Norris. Other recipients of Honorary Patronage include Al Pacino, Senator  John McCain, Newt Gingrich, Bob Geldof, Dame Helen Mirren, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir Christopher Lee and Dame Helen Mirren.