Belfast priest, Fr Alec Reid, described as one of the architects of the peace process, has died.

Two clergymen who witnessed the decommissioning of IRA weapons will be honoured for their role in the key chapter of the peace process, it was announced today.

A Belfast-based priest who witnessed the IRA decommissioning will be presented with the Tipperary Person of the Year Award today.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday defended Fr Alec Reid against fallout from his Nazi comment, describing him as a great man who had contributed much to peace in the North.

A Catholic priest who witnessed the completion of IRA disarmament was tonight embroiled in a fresh political storm after he refused to accept that the Provisionals were involved in the £26m (€37m) Northern Bank robbery.