McAleese Award To Mark 'Peace' Contribution

Despite recent controversy over comments made in Belfast during the Queen's Easter visit to Northern Ireland, the Irish President and her husband are to receive honorary doctorates - specifically for their contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.

Mary McAleese and her husband Martin will receive the awards to mark their efforts in moving toward a peaceful solution to the Troubles during a ceremony that will take place at Dublin City University.

It has been planned to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which has just been celebrated.

President McAleese's latest comments, when she said that she believes Queen Elizabeth will only visit the Republic after policing and justice powers have been devolved to the power-sharing executive at Stormont, provoked DUP demands for an apology over political interference and were not the first such occurrence.

Back in 2005, President McAleese faced the wrath of unionist politicians after she claimed some Northern Ireland children were taught to hate Catholics in the same way Nazis despised Jews.

Nonetheless, the university's President, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski has said: "We are delighted to honour the very significant role played by the President and her husband Martin, often with little public attention, in helping to overcome the legacy of decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland."

The President will also be honoured for her distinguished academic career at both Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin.

At Trinity, President McAleese served as Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology and Penology and at Queen's was appointed Pro Vice Chancellor.

See: NI News In Brief.

See: McAleese cancels Shankill Road visit.

(BMcC/KMcA)