Mary Banotti: Ireland's European of the Year

`I've been the bridesmaid here so many times, it's great now to be the bride," said Mary Banotti, when she was named Ireland's European of the Year for 1997. Mrs Banotti had been nominated on several previous occasions. Mrs Banotti said that a large part of the warmth she felt on winning the award was on behalf of the European Parliament itself. The prize was presented by President Mary McAleese. The award is made annually by a jury established by the European Movement, and the prize is sponsored by Aer Rianta.