A collection of 60 plates hand-painted by many of Ireland's leading politicians and personalities will be auctioned in Belfast tonight. It is hoped at least £10,000 will be raised by the event. The proceeds will go to two local charities.
All those taking part were allowed choose their own images. The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, submitted two similar plates - one was a large red blob on a yellow background and the other a red blob with a green border.
Sinn Fein's Mr Gerry Adams painted a harp with a red flower at the side and what observers believe is a yellow butterfly.
The Ulster Democratic Party leader, Mr Gary McMichael, contributed his red hand-print on a plate.
The Progressive Unionist leader, Mr David Ervine, opted for a more politically correct image.
He painted two trees, one orange, one green, with a bridge in between and the question: "Is this a bridge too far?"
Mr John Hume wrote words from his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on his plate. There is also a plate by the poet Seamus Heaney.
The Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland football team autographed plates and there is a floral doodle from Olympic gold medallist Ms Mary Peters. The comedian Mr Paddy Kielty painted a funny face. Ms Andrea Corr, lead singer with the Corrs, painted a cartoon of the band.
Some contributors took the plate painting more seriously than others.
The organisers say the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, both received "a little help" from professionals.
The auction will start at 8.30 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel. Proceeds will go to Action Cancer and Headway, a charity that helps people who have suffered brain damage as a result of head injuries. Telephone bids can be made by ringing Belfast 760019 or 803342.