Retired Fianna Fáil TD Mr Michael O'Kennedy became the first former Irish government minister to receive an honour from Queen Elizabeth yesterday, for his work forging links between British and Irish parliaments.
Mr O'Kennedy, was awarded an honorary CMG by British Ambassador, Mr Stewart Eldon.
Presenting the medal at his Dublin residence, Mr Eldon said: "The fact that the queen decided to honour you in this way is a real tribute to the work you have done for British and Irish relations."
Mr O'Kennedy was joined by his wife and two daughters to receive the honour, that of Companion in the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
Mr O'Kennedy served as an Oireachtas member for over 35 years, holding six different ministerial portfolios, including foreign minister, finance minister and agriculture minister. He was also an EC commissioner from 1981-2. Mr O'Kennedy was co-chairman of the BIIPB from 1997 until his retirement from politics in 2002.
The body was formally established in 1990 as a link between the UK and Irish parliaments and meets for two plenary sessions each year, held alternately in the two jurisdictions. - (PA)