The Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, may regard the Republic as a "pathetic, sectarian" State, but he can still expect a warm welcome in Waterford next week.
The North's First Minister has accepted an invitation to a function at the Ursuline secondary school, where he will receive an award from the St Angela's Peace and Justice Group in recognition of his contribution to the peace process.
The group is made up of students who undertake human rights projects, culminating in an annual peace and justice week.
Mr Trimble's visit will be the highlight of this year's event, but members of the group were, like many others, somewhat bewildered by weekend comments in which he described the Republic as a "pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, monocultural State".
Ms Michéle Rogers, a teacher of religion and English at the school, said some students were "disillusioned" on hearing what the First Minister had said.
Students were asking why he had made the comments, but there was no doubt about the welcome he would receive next week. "The red carpet will be out and the hand of friendship given. That is certainly not going to change," she said.
About 130 students at the school took part in the peace and justice group this year, working on projects concerning war, oppression, Sellafield, animal rights, Burma and disabilities.
Mr Trimble was selected for the international award while Ms Kathryn Sinnot is to receive the national award for her "tireless campaigning" for the rights of autistic children, particularly in the area of education.
Mr Colin and Ms Wendy Parry are to receive a special award for their compassion in setting up the Tim Parry/Jonathan Ball Trust after their son Tim was killed by an IRA bomb in Warrington in 1993.
A local award is to be presented in memory of Father Rufus Halley, the Waterford priest who was shot dead in the Philippines last year.
Previous winners of the international award have included the journalist John Pilger, who visited the school for its peace and justice week three years ago, and the Burmese opposition leader, Ms Aung Sang Suu Kyi.
The North's former deputy first minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, also attended the school to receive the award two years ago.
The forum for peace, at which Mr Trimble will be presented with his award, takes place tomorrow week, March 21st. The Omagh Cross-Community Choir will perform at the event.