FORMER First Minister Peter Robinson has been made an honorary professor of peace studies.
Mr Robinson, who also served as leader of the DUP, was awarded the title by Queen’s University Belfast.
The former First Minister will give his public first lecture on Thursday, June 7, on the subject of restoring government in Northern Ireland.
Professor Richard English Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation and Engagement, said: “Queen’s is pleased to welcome Peter Robinson as an Honorary Professor at the University.
“As a former First Minister Mr Robinson has considerable political and governmental experience which will enhance both teaching and research at the University.
“We look forward to his contribution over the next three years.”
Peter Robinson with Martin McGuinness (Image: Getty)Mr Robinson stepped down from his role as First Minister – in which he served alongside Martin McGuinness – in early 2016.
One of his final acts as First Minister was negotiating the Fresh Start agreement with Sinn Féin, one of the aims of which was to rid society of all forms of paramilitary activity and groups.
In 1986, Robinson was involved in the Invasion of Clontibret, in which he led a group of loyalists into the Co. Monaghan village.
The group daubed loyalist messages over the village's unmanned garda station and held a loyalist parade.
That same year he also addressed a rally during which the Ulster Resistance group was launched, which opposed the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
However during his time as First Minister, he reached out to the nationalist community, and was hailed by former Secretary of State Peter Hain as “an indispensable part” of the Peace Process.
