National Ploughing Championships 2008
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CEANN COMHAIRLE WILL LAUNCH "SPEAKERS’ CORNER" AT NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Politicians to address Agricultural and Rural Issues
23rd September 2008
The Houses of the Oireachtas will stage a “Speakers Corner” style event at this year’s National Ploughing Championships at Farmley, Cuffesgrage Co. Kilkenny 23rd-25th October 2008.
Ceann Comhairle John O ‘Donoghue TD will open the first ever Houses of the Oireachtas stand at the National Ploughing Championships and invite politicians to participate in a novel ‘Speaker’s Corner’ debating forum on Tuesday 23rd Sept at 12.30 pm.
The event will feature TDs and Senators from across the political spectrum speaking on a range of topical agricultural and rural issues. Some of the topics to be addressed include: the role of the rural TD, food labelling and food availability. Members of the public will have the opportunity to engage with politicians and get into the spirit of ‘Speaker’s Corner’.
Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue TD said “I am very pleased that the Houses of the Oireachtas, for the first time, will have a presence at this very important event, which is expected to attract around 150,000 visitors. It provides another opportunity to inform the public about politics and the democratic process and the work done by politicians in Leinster House. ‘Speaker’s Corner’ is a novel event and will offer an opportunity for people to engage directly with Oireachtas members who develop policy and legislate in this area”.
This event is part of the on-going communications strategy which aims to promote a greater understanding of politics and the work of politicians. The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, will pay a visit to Speakers’ Corner on Tuesday afternoon.
A live link up from Leinster House to the Oireachtas Stand on the resumption of the Dáil on Wednesday 24th September is also planned.
This will be the first occasion that Houses of Oireachtas will participate in the National Ploughing Championships.
The House of Oireachtas Stand is Number 529, Row K.
ENDS
For further information
Contact Liam O’Brien- 086 8815657 (Tuesday Schedule)
Daniel English -087 6949926 (Wednesday/Thursday Schedule)