The former Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, took centre stage at the ESB/REHAB People of the Year awards last night when she was honoured as Ireland's International Person of the Year.
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, presented Dr Mowlam with the award for her contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.
She was praised for her battle against illness and for the courage, charisma and honesty she showed in the crucial period leading up to the signing of the Belfast Agreement. Dr Mowlam, who recently announced her intention to quit politics, was one of seven people honoured during the ceremony hosted by RTE's Mary Kennedy. It is the 26th year of the awards.
Maeve Binchy was acknowledged for her achievements as a novelist, playwright and journalist and awarded the top domestic prize. Ms Christina Nobel, the Dublin woman who has devoted her life to working with the street children of Vietnam, was also honoured.
The Young Person of the Year award went to Mr Sean Scollan (24), Drumcong, Co Leitrim, for his courage following a hay-baling accident earlier this year that resulted in the loss of both his legs.
Other winners included Ms Rita Lawlor, a global messenger for the Special Olympics, for her achievements as an athlete and her role in highlighting the benefits of sport for those with disabilities.
Ted and Ruby Walsh, the first father and son team to win the Irish and English Grand Nationals, were honoured, as were members of the Boyne Rescue and Recovery Service.
A panel of national and regional media editors chose the winners from hundreds of nominations submitted by the public, local authorities and voluntary groups.