Northern Ireland First Minister Mr David Trimble this evening received an International Peace and Justice Award in Waterford.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Mr Trimble again declined to withdraw his controversial remarks referring to the Republic as a "pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic and mono-cultural state".
In his first visit to the Republic since his comments, the Ulster Unionist leader said: "What I found a little bit disappointing in the reaction to it - which I must confess took me a little by surprise at the time - was its nature and the remarkable amount of personal abuse that was carried with it.
"It’s an indication that some sore points were touched on. But everything has to be looked on its terms of its context."
Mr Trimble was greeted warmly by a 800-strong crowd when he arrived Ursuline Convent to collect his award from the St Angela's peace and justice group given in recognition for his work in forwarding the Northern peace process.
Previous winners of the award include Ms Adi Roche, Ms John Pilger, Ms Tom Hyland and Ms Seamus Mallon.