The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern said today Ireland may consider sending troops to join an international peacekeeping force in Iraq if a new resolution were passed by the UN Security Council.
"It changes the position for us if there is a Security Council mandate change," Mr Ahern said during a visit to New York. "We are neutral, but when it comes to UN resolutions we've served in every part of the world."
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Senator Hillary Clinton with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern in Albany, New York, where Mr Ahern was presented with the Oldcastle award.
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"Our army may not be great in numbers but when we have been asked we have always contributed, whether it's East Timor, whether it's been in Eritrea or any of the other areas of conflict in the world, Irish troops have served."
"Our position is to work to see that we get a successful resolution," the Taoiseach said after a meeting with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in Albany, New York. "We believe it requires the support of the Security Council and an all-out effort is needed to help (achieve such a resolution)."
On Thursday, Mr Ahern will address the UN General Assembly where he is expected to report on progress being made on the Northern Ireland peace process and deal with international affairs.
US President George Bush will address the UN General Assembly tomorrow and hold meeting with various other world leaders about a new role for the UN in Iraq.
Mr Bush wants a new UN resolution to create a multinational force, but France and Germany, who opposed the US-led war, are demanding that the United States agree to a fast handover of power to Iraqis. Washington believes that would lead to chaos.
Tomorrow, the Taoiseach visits the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street. He will also meet Mexican President Mr Vincente Fox and receive an honorary degree from Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business.
Mr Ahern will also be handed the Thomas J. Dodd award at a ceremony at the University of Connecticut. He and the British prime minister have been given the honour for their work in negotiating the 1998 Belfast Agreement.
British deputy prime minister Mr John Prescott will stand in for Mr Blair at the event.