The chairman of the North's Parades Commission which rules on controversial marches, has been knighted in the 2003 Honours List. The awards coincide with Queen Elizabeth's official birthday.
Mr Tony Holland has headed the body since its creation in 2000 and steered it through numerous controversies involving flash-point loyalist and republican demonstrations.
It was the Parades Commission which ruled against the Drumcree Orange march leading to a refusal to co-operate by the Orange Order and demands by it for the body to be scrapped.
The Northern Ireland Comptroller and Auditor-General, Mr John Dowdall, is also honoured. He will receive the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) following his scrutiny of public finances and spending.
The head of the Hastings hotel group, Dr Billy Hastings, is given another honour. This time he receives the honour of Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Dr Hastings retains one of the landmark Europa Hotels in Belfast's Great Victoria Street. Known throughout the Troubles as the most bombed hotel in the world, the Europa has been repeatedly repaired and improved.
They are among the 68 people honoured from Northern Ireland. Apart from many to be awarded for "public service", others are named for their services in specialist areas. Mr Mervyn Albert Dane, a journalist with the Impartial Reporter, a local newspaper in Enniskillen, receives an MBE. Mr Aubrey Fielding, a campanologist and ringing master at St Columb's Cathedral in Derry for some 50 years also receives an MBE for services to bell-ringing. Mrs Jean Caulfield, a beaver scout leader from Castlerock, Co Derry also receives an MBE, this time for services to the community.
Mr John Ferguson, a Belfast bus driver is awarded an MBE for services to transport; and a home help Mrs Mary Mitchell, Banbridge, Co Down, also receives an MBE.