The Hist

Founded in 1770, The Hist is the oldest undergraduate student society in the world. It occupies rooms in the Graduates’ Memorial Building (GMB) of Trinity College Dublin, which it shares with the University Philosophical Society and the College Theological Society.
It’s members have included numerous renowned Irish individuals including playwright Samuel Beckett, first President of Ireland Douglas Hyde and Dracula author Bram Stoker. The society holds weekly debates each Wednesday night during term time in the GMB. The diverse motions present students with an opportunity to debate with experts on the particular motion selected. The set-​up of the debate is that of British Parliamentary debating, with the proposition and opposition speaking alternatively. The proceedings are controlled by a guest chairperson. At the end of the debate, the audience have an opportunity to decide which side has made the most persuasive argument.
Well-​known politicians such as David Ervine and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume have spoken at this debate. It is often typical for a Government Minister to address The Hist on a contentious topic. In 2005 the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell T.D. divulged proposals for restructuring of the legal profession at a Hist debate on the issue.
In the past two years guests have included Northern Irish First Minister Rev. Ian Paisley, illustrious author Sir John Mortimer, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former British Prime Minister Sir John Major, among others. With a Hist membership card (can be purchased on the door) anyone, whether student or member of the public can sit and relish in a topical debate every Wednesday night as well as the special occasions when guest speakers visit to address the society on litigious topics.