Former British prime minister Tony Blair is to be honoured by the Taoiseach at a fundraising dinner to support cross-Border research on suicide and depression in Dublin Castle this evening.
The event, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement, will also be attended by former US senator George Mitchell. British ambassador David Reddaway, American ambassador Thomas C Foley and former attorney general David Byrne have also been invited.
Speaking before the event Mr Ahern said: “It is particularly appropriate that we honour Tony Blair, his achievements and his huge personal commitment to the cause of peace in Northern Ireland as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement."
Tony Blair
Mr Ahern will present Mr Blair with a Guy Hanscomb painting titled Beach Scene, Brittas Bay.
Money raised from the event will go to the Turning The Tide of Suicide organisation, and will be used to fund a number of cross-Border initiatives, including an all-Ireland suicide survey.
More than 600 people are estimated to die from suicide every year in Ireland, with 50 per cent of victims under the age of 25.
“We are privileged to be joined by the men who helped to bring about peace in Northern Ireland,” the charity’s chairman Noel Smyth said.
“We are also very conscious that the funds raised will help fund North/South research on suicide and depression and bring about a greater understanding of the pain that many individuals and families are forced to endure.”
Political figures involved in the process, including Bertie Ahern, George Mitchell, John Hume, Gerry Adams, Reg Empey, John Alderdice and Monica McWilliams, met yesterday in Belfast to mark the 10-year anniversary of the agreement.
Mr Ahern and Mr Blair both played leading roles in the negotiations, and Mr Mitchell chaired the talks.
(Additional reporting by PA)
