MP and MLA Martin McGuinness is to make his second visit to the Republic as Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive when he opens the Scariff Harbour Festival in Co Clare later today.
Since the festival began in 2003, one of the primary aims of the organising committee has been to promote links between communities in Northern Ireland and east Clare.
"The North/South co-operation was inspired by the decision to locate the Waterways Ireland western regional office in Scariff," said festival committee chairman Michael Rodgers.
"Waterways Ireland is itself a North/South implementation body set up under the Good Friday agreement to develop, maintain and promote the waterways of the whole island of Ireland," Mr Rodgers said.
Mr McGuinness's previous visit South was a recent meeting with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and yesterday Mr Rodgers expressed his delight at Mr McGuinness's agreeing to come to Scarriff.
"Over the years, the aim of the festival committee has been to develop a special relationship with the people of Northern Ireland at political, cultural and community levels, and each year we are delighted to welcome guests and acts from Northern Ireland."
Jeanette Ervine, widow of David Ervine, late leader of the Progressive Unionist Party, has also accepted an invitation to come to Clare and present a trophy named in her late husband's memory to the Young Angler of the Festival.
Mr Ervine and SDLP leader Mark Durkan were guests of honour at the opening of the inaugural festival in 2003.
