Politicians jump ship for rally

The stage route was tested in July

Assembly members have fled Stormont, leaving the statue of Edward Carson to witness the revving of engines and thousands of spectators at the launch of Rally Ireland.

It won't be the first rally to pass the unionist leader, but will certainly be the fastest.

He won't be lonely with more than 11,000 people expected at the special stage of the rally on Thursday.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that it would be an incredible spectacle.

"If you fail to come here or tune in to what will be happening here during the course of the world rally championship you will be missing the opportunity of a lifetime," he said.

Drivers will go head-to-head in a figure of eight style track in the grounds, and organisers have had to build a bridge to accommodate the race around Parliament Buildings.

It is estimated Rally Ireland will be watched by more than 800 million television viewers in 180 countries.

The route takes in eight counties with the rally finishing on Sunday with a special stage at Mullaghmore in County Sligo.

One of the organisers Eddie Jordan, said a World Rally Championship was "better than anything".

"Because it's where everybody who is anyone or was anyone in Irish motorsport all started - in rallying," he said.

Former winner of the Monte Carlo Rally Paddy Hopkirk said an Irish WRC was a great achievement.

"We've won the Olympics really as far as motorsport is concerned by getting a WRC for this great rally in Ireland," he said.

It will be the biggest sporting event ever staged in Ireland, with the logistical requirements eclipsing the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club.

The seating stage has been increased to cope with demand

Event co-ordinator Mark Finlay said that the Stomont event was like "Operation Desert Storm on steroids".

"The biggest complaint seems to be that we just don't have enough hotel rooms on the island to cope with major events," he said.

He said the rally would have a positive impact and bring at least £30m to the island.

Spectators for the Belfast launch are advised to travel by park and ride from the new IKEA store at Holywood Exchange.

The logistics of the event includes chartering 60 helicopters to fly between 50 separate cross-border landings sites - and one chaplain.

Reverend Arthur Barrett has been appointed to provide pastoral care for competitors and visitors.

He is Church of Ireland rector of the Boyle and Riverstown Group of Church of Ireland Parishes, situated in south County Sligo and north County Roscommon.