Tributes paid to Robinson on top US honour

The Government tonight congratulated former President Mary Robinson on being awarded the highest civilian honour in the US by President Barack Obama.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micháell Martin said the presentation of the Medal of Freedom was a fitting tribute to Ms Robinson for her tireless work fighting for human rights.

She is one of 16 people being bestowed with the prestigious honour at a lavish ceremony in The White House, including Senator Edward Kennedy, actor Sidney Poitier and physicist Stephen Hawking.

Mr Martin said: “Irish people everywhere are very proud of her being honoured by this award and her many achievements during a distinguished career of advocacy.”

Ms Robison was the country’s first female President and served from 1990 until 1997.

She also worked as a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for five years until 2002.

The Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially praise-worthy contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.