Who Can We Trust? UCC public conversation to explore democracy, polarisation and public trust

25 Sep 2026

• Moderated by Professor Stephen Graham, the panel will feature Professor Theresa Reidy, Professor Gillian Murphy, Mick Clifford, and Dr Eoin O’Malley.
• Open to all, the event will explore how democratic societies can build and sustain public trust amid the growing influence of AI, geopolitical uncertainty and political polarisation.

How can democratic societies maintain public trust at a time when artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainty and political polarisation are changing how people access information and engage with democracy?

This question will be at the centre of the second event in the UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS) Public Conversations Series, taking place on Thursday, 1 October 2026 at UCC.

‘Who Can We Trust? Democracy, polarisation and the future of public trust in Europe’ will bring together experts from politics, psychology and journalism to examine the pressures facing democratic trust in Ireland and across Europe.

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend. Advance registration is encouraged. RSVP here.

Professor Stephen Graham, Head of UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences said: “As Ireland reaches the midpoint of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Europe faces significant challenges in maintaining democratic trust amid rapid technological change, evolving media environments and growing political polarisation. The discussion will consider how governments, European institutions, technology companies, journalists, civil society and universities contribute to democratic debate and the cultivation of informed and engaged citizens.

“This Public Conversation will encourage thoughtful public dialogue on both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, while exploring broader commitments to democratic values, openness and debate,” Professor Graham said.

Professor Stephen Graham will moderate the discussion which will feature:

• Professor Theresa Reidy, Head of UCC School of Society, Politics and Ethics, Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork
• Professor Gillian Murphy, UCC School of Applied Psychology
• Mick Clifford, author and journalist, Irish Examiner
• Dr Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor in Political Science, School of Law and Government, Dublin City University

Advance registration is encouraged. RSVP here.

Event details:

Who Can We Trust? Democracy, polarisation and the future of public trust in Europe
Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Time: Doors open at 5.30pm. The event begins at 6.00pm and concludes at 7.30pm.
Venue: Dr Dora Allman Room, The Hub, University College Cork