Ahern And Blair To Awarded Honoured By Queens

Honorary doctorates will be awarded to former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at Queens University Belfast on Thursday.

The presentation will be made to mark the contribution both leaders made to peace in Northern Ireland, and their work in negotiating the Good Friday agreement.

The special ceremony is part of a two-day conference hosted by American Senator George Mitchell, who was reportedly instrumental in getting the late stages of the famous accord.

The conference will look at the North's recent transformation and will be attended by politicians, academics, lawyers and community workers.

While Mr Ahern will be travelling from Dublin to receive his doctorate of law, Mr Blair is unable to be present but will appear and express his thanks through a video recorded in his London office last month.

Queen's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Gregson, who will confer the degrees on the two former leaders, said: "When Tony Blair first sat down at his desk in Downing Street and when Bertie Ahern became Taoiseach, they must both have been tempted to take the files marked Northern Ireland and push them to one side.

"There were many important things for both of them to do and Northern Ireland had defeated many premiers before them."

It is understood to be the first honorary degree awarded to Mr Blair since he stood down as premier last year.

(DW)