Remarks By The Tanaiste, Mrs Mary Coughlan, T.D.,
at the Official Opening of the Iverk Show 2008

I am delighted to have been invited here today to perform the official opening of the Iverk Show.
Since its establishment in 1826, the show has grown and developed far beyond what could have been originally envisaged by it's founders. In this, its 182nd year, the Iverk Show is now one of, if not the most prestigious events in the Southeast.
The committee has worked tirelessly once again this year to broaden the range of activities, demonstrations and competions on display to ensure the continued appeal of the event, whatever peoples interests or background. I would like to commend Joe Malone and his very able team who have played a key role in ensuring all the arrangements are in place for todys show.

This show has always prided itself in moving with the times, encouraging innovation and quality, while maintaining its traditional characteristics. Looking around at what is on display today, it is not hard to understand why this show is successful and popular and is attracting an even greater attendance. It's great to see the wide diversity of competitions and attractions such as livestock, trade exhibits, horticulture and flower show. It all combines to give a taste of rural life in Ireland.

The Iverk Show is a tremendous credit to the people of the area. This show represents a community of people coming together to share in the work and to celebrate thier efforts and achievements on an annual basis.

I welcome the very generous sponsorship by many companies, organisations ans industries. including a contribution from my department - Agriculture. Fisheries and Food. Sponsorship plays an important role in agricultural shows throughout the country. These contributions demonstrate a commitment to the futureof out agricultural industry. Needless to say, as with all competion, come rewards and I must congratulate all involved in this years show for having such a generous prize fund for the various categories of the competion.

It would be remiss of me to let me let this important agricultural event pass without reffering to the WTO talks, which failed to reach agreement.

As you know, Ireland was not happy with what was on the table in agriculture in Geneva. We were optimistic about the benefits thwt would come from proposals for other areas of the economy, such as trade in the manufactured goods and trade in services. But at the end of the day nothing concrete emerged on these and, unfortunately, they remained prospects and promises. In the negotiations, we firmly defended our agricultural interests, and also sought the best advantage for our industry and services. The other 150 plus countries equally had thier ambitions.

As you know, I am always up for a challenge and I have gladly accepted Mr. Jowe Malone's invitation to jointly judge one of the dairy classes the 'Maid of Glanbia Maiden Heifer class'. I am looking forward to the challenge and I hope that I wont be too far off the mark.

To conclude, I would like at this time to thank again the Organissing Committee for the invitation to open the show here today. I would also like to pay tribute to thier work, and to the commitment of so many volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors that make the show such a success and such an enjoyable day for all of us visitors.
Congratulations one and all.
Enjoy the day.