The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, received an honorary degree from the University of Coventry yesterday in a ceremony at the city's cathedral. She said she was deeply honoured to be nominated for the accolade by university staff and praised the determination of the people of Northern Ireland to achieve peace.
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, received an honorary knighthood from Mexico's Academy of International Law yesterday, in a ceremony at Mexico City's Ana huac University. Mr Adams accepted the medal "on behalf of the people who suffered and struggled for peace and justice in Ireland". The University director, Mr Raymund Cosgrave, a member of the Legionnaires of Christ, praised Mr Adams's "tireless efforts" for peace in Ireland.
In a brief acceptance speech Mr Adams said the entire Irish population "could easily get lost" in Mexico's capital of 20 million people. "You too have a powerful neighbour next door, we have suffered the same misfortune," he said.