Charlie McCreevy, former Irish Finance Minister and now European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, will deliver the Australian Ireland Fund UNSW Peace Oration on Tuesday 27 October.

He joins a list of eminent Irish statesman to deliver this Oration, including former Prime Minister Bertie Ahern in 2000.

Commissioner McCreevy's speech will examine the European Union's role in the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland and, more generally, in promoting economic stability throughout Europe.

More than 50 years ago the founding Member States came together in the Treaty of Rome to establish the European Economic Community, with the goal of avoiding further conflict in Europe. Through successive enlargements, the EU has grown to encompass 27 Member States with nearly 500 million citizens, making it the world's largest single integrated market.

Before joining the European Commission, Mr McCreevy had a distinguished political career in Ireland. As Minister of Finance between 1997 and 2004, he presided over Ireland's entry to the Economic and Monetary Union of the EU and the changeover to the Euro.

What: EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy delivers Australian Ireland Fund UNSW Peace Oration - The Role of the EU in Peace, Stability and Prosperity in Ireland and Europe When: 6.30-7.30pm, Tuesday 27 October 2009 Where: Law Theatre, UNSW Kensington campus

The lecture is free but RSVP essential: r.straker@unsw.edu.au

Media contact: Denise Knight, UNSW Media Office | 02 9385 8920 | 0405 207 685