An Irish woman who is a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, has said that this year's award, given to US President Barack Obama, cheapens the prize.
Mairead Corrigan Maguire won the 1976 Nobel award along with fellow Belfast peace campaigner Betty Williams. She spoke this morning, saying:
"The Nobel committee is not meeting the conditions of Alfred Nobel's will, because he stipulated that the award is to be given to people who end militarism and war and are for disarmament.
"President Obama has yet to prove that he will move seriously on the Middle East, that he will end the war in Afghanistan and many other issues. Awarding the Nobel prize to him is akin to cheapening it - it's a disgrace!"
But SDLP leader Mark Durkan disagreed. He said the committee:
"rightly highlights the president's extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. And he is black.
"Since his election as US president, President Obama has touched and inspired people all around the world with his blackness.
"He has been a sign of positive progress, not just in the United States but in terms of international black leadership.
Barack Obama is the first black US President in history, and, of course, the first black US President in history to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He is black.
