There was general surprise in diplomatic circles last night at the relative ease of Ireland's victory in the election for non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
Ireland was elected on the first ballot with 130 votes out of a potential 173 and ahead of two strong rivals, Norway and Italy.
Welcoming the result, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, indicated Ireland would take a reforming approach during its two-year term, in line with proposals from the Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan. Mr Ahern has previously called for the Council to be enlarged from 15 to 25 members to make it more representative.
There were murmurs of surprise at the General Assembly when the result of the vote was read out. The figures were passed on to Downing Street while Mr Ahern was in private discussion with the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, was meeting separately with the Northern Secretary, Mr Mandelson.
The Taoiseach said the result "illustrates the high regard in which Ireland's contribution to the work of the UN is held throughout the world". Mr Ahern, who lobbied for support at last month's Millennium Summit, said the task now was "to make the Council a more effective and representative instrument of the UN in the modern world".
Mr Cowen said the result was "a major achievement" for Irish diplomacy and "recognition of the esteem in which Ireland is held internationally". The cornerstone of the campaign had been Ireland's distinctive role in UN peacekeeping, disarmament, human rights and development co-operation: "Our commitment to these crucial areas will be carried through in our work on the Council."
Membership was a "tremendous honour and a huge responsibility", Mr Cowen said. "The Government intends to play a constructive role on the Council and in that regard I will be making arrangements in the coming weeks to strengthen our staffing for this task."
Opposition parties also welcomed the result and Mr Jim O'Keeffe of Fine Gael said the election meant the Government would have to take "a more clearcut stance" on crisis issues around the world. Labour's Mr Michael D. Higgins said Ireland must adopt "genuinely independent positions" on such issues as the continuing sanctions against Iraq.
Ireland previously served on the Council in 1962 and 19811982 and its third term begins on January 1st. Presidency of the Council rotates on a monthly basis in alphabetical order and Ireland will occupy the chair during October next year.
Mr John O'Shea of the relief and development agency GOAL said the Government should use its new-found status to help alleviate the suffering of others. The former Foreign Minister, Mr David Andrews, said the campaign had cut across party political lines: "It was green jersey time over the last three or four years."
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Ireland won one of two seats being contested in the Western European and Other Group of member-states. Norway defeated Italy for the second seat on the fourth ballot.
Italy, seen by many as Ireland's main rival, was seeking Council membership for the fifth time.