THE husband of former Irish president Mary McAleese was accompanied by senior loyalist and republican figures as he received an honorary doctorate for his work towards peace at Queen's University.
Martin McAleese was awarded a doctorate for distinction in public service at the Belfast university on Tuesday, and was joined by Mary McAleese for the ceremony.
Attending the event with former Irish senator Mr McAleese was loyalist leader Jackie McDonald and the chair of the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC), David Campbell.
They were joined by senior Sinn Féin member and former IRA prisoner Sean 'Spike' Murray.
The LCC represents the views of loyalist paramilitary groups the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando.
Mr McAleese, who is Chancellor of Dublin City University, forged links with loyalists in the early 2000s in a bid to build support for the ongoing post-Good Friday Agreement peace process.
In 2012 he joined his wife in receiving the Tipperary International Peace Prize for their work in the north.
Two years later, at the One Young World Summit in Dublin, Mr McAleese hosted a session on conflict resolution involving Sean Murray and Jackie McDonald.
Mr McDonald had previously said he believed Mr McAleese would have been the "perfect candidate" to take over as Irish president from his wife.
Speaking of Tuesday's ceremony at which a number of honorary doctorates were presented, Queen's vice-chancellor, Professor Ian Greer, said: "It is a privilege for Queen’s to recognise and celebrate the impact people from our community make here and across the world. From distinction in public service, the arts and science to services to business and commerce, conservation and sustainability, our society is full of skilled and talented people who enrich our community.
“Our Honorary Graduates continue to serve our community and act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland on the national and international stage, and we are delighted to have this opportunity to reflect their contributions.”
Meanwhile, also receiving a doctorate at the ceremony was east Belfast Irish language activist Linda Ervine for "services to the local community".
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