Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and former British Prime Minister John Major have been given the freedom of Cork city for their work on the peace process in Northern Ireland.
The award was made at a ceremony in Cork City Hall this afternoon, although several councillors boycotted the event.
In December 1993 Albert Reynolds and Sir John Major issued the Downing Street Declaration, one of the foundation stones of the Northern Ireland peace process and the fore-runner to the first IRA ceasefire the following August.
This afternoon, amid some protests, both men were together again when they were accorded the freedom of Cork City in recognition of their work in the peace process.
The ceremony was proposed by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Donal Counihan, although it was boycotted by a number of councillors.
Despite those protests, both men said they were delighted to be honoured.
Albert Reynolds and Sir John Major now join an exclusive club of people who have been granted the freedom of Cork City, including John F Kennedy, Eamonn De Valera, John Hume and Roy Keane.
