In this Broadsheet.ie column I welcome the Irish government’s campaign to win a seat on the UN Security Council, but wonder just who precisely was the target of the high profile launch in NYC…?
Last week the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister of State for Defence and the Minister of State for the Diaspora went on manoeuvres in New York.
While their jaunt was ostensibly to “launch” Ireland’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council, their real purpose was more domestic.
It was an impressive display.
In addition to these four government members, curiously all of them from Fine Gael, were a former Irish President, the Defence Forces’ Chief of Staff, Bono, U2, a contingent of uniformed Defence Force members and an even bigger contingent of Irish political correspondents.
If UN Security Council (UNSC) seats are allocated on the basis of display, then Ireland should be a shoo-in.
But, UNSC seats are not won by those who just put on the best display.
They are won by years of horse trading and deal making.
Continue reading “Real audience for Varadkar’s @UN Security Council bid not in NYC, it’s here”
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