Former Donegal Fine Gael TD Paddy Harte is to be awarded an OBE today for his work promoting reconciliation in Ireland.
The British Ambassador, David Reddaway, will present Mr Harte with the honour in Dublin at midday.
He said: "Paddy Harte has worked tirelessly to promote peace and reconciliation in Ireland, particularly through his initiatives which resulted in the Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines, Belgium and the Books of Honour Project.
"He has contributed to our better understanding of the complex history of this island and to public recognition of past sacrifice and heroism. I am delighted that his impressive and selfless contribution has been recognised in this way".
Mr Harte served as deputy for Donegal North-East from 1961 to 1997. He was a key figure in setting up the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines dedicated to the memory of those from the island of Ireland who fought and died in the First World War.
It was built on the site of the Messines Ridge Battlefield, the only battlefront in that conflict where the 36th Ulster Division and the 16th Irish Division fought side by side.
The Peace Park was inaugurated in 1998 by President McAleese, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium.
The Books of Honour Project commemorates all those from Ireland who died during the First World War on a county by county basis.
Books for Donegal and Dublin have already been completed, with Belfast almost complete and research on some other counties in progress.
PA