McAleese to open Ploughing Championships

President Mary McAleese will today open one of the biggest agricultural shows in Europe.

The National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly is expected to attract around 150,000 people over three days to the 500-acre site at Annaharvey farm near Tullamore.

A large contingent of government ministers, TDs and politicians from throughout the country are expected to attend.

These include Minister for Finance Brian Cowen, Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan and her Northern counterpart, Michelle Gildernew.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Minister for Rural Affairs Eamon O'Cuiv and Junior Minister with responsibility for food, Trevor Sargent, are also due to appear.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is scheduled to arrive on Thursday while the North's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will attend tomorrow.

This year 300 competitors will battle it out for 18 national titles.

A total of 850 exhibitors will use the 60 acres of exhibition space.

Macra Na Feirme will be launching their 2008 naked calendar, showcasing some of Macra's female members from Limerick to raise funds for the Samaritans.

Meanwhile, gardaí have put in place a major traffic management plan for the championships.

All routes will be signposted by the AA and gardaí and stewards will direct people to special car parks.

The event kicks off at 10.30am.