Irish and British government representatives were attending a memorial service in Dublin today to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Britain's ambassador to Ireland, Mr Christopher Ewart Biggs.
The envoy was blown up in his official car by a land mine just yards from his official home in south Dublin on July 21th 1976, 12 days after arriving in Dublin to take up the post.
Northern Ireland Office private secretary Ms Judith Cooke also died in the blast and permanent under secretary Mr Brian Cubbon was seriously injured.
Also badly hurt in the explosion was driver Mr Brian O'Driscoll. He came close to death, but survived and still works at the British embassy in Dublin.
Mr O'Driscoll will be among the congregation at today's ceremony in Dublin's St Patrick's Church of Ireland cathedral.
The Minister forForeign Affairs Mr Cowen as well as other political figures will attend the service .
The present British ambassador to Ireland, Sir Ivor Roberts, will deliver an address.
PA