THE former European commissioner, Mr Peter Sutherland SC, was presented last night with the 1996 RDS Gold Medal Industry Award in recognition of his contribution to Irish industry.
The citation also referred to "his distinguished contribution to ensuring free and fair competition with the EU and to the further opening up of world trade to "the benefits of all countries, and particularly smaller economies such as Ireland".
Mr Sutherland, who is also a former director general of GATT, is now chairman of Goldman Sachs International.
The award was presented last night by Mr Michael McNamara, chairman of the RDS Committee of Industry, at the annual dinner for the award, which was established in 1992 to honour individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of business and industry.
Speaking at the reception, which was attended by prominent Irish business people, Mr McNamara praised Mr Sutherland's "outstanding achievements, particularly in public administration, finance and industry. He has received many awards and honours, but this is his native country and city.
"His experience as EC commissioner with responsibility for competition, as director general of GATT, together with his business background, provide unique authority to relate to this year's theme, A Changing Economic World."
Previous recipients of the award include Mr Ray MacSharry and Dr Michael Smurfit.