US: The Taoiseach indicated yesterday that Ireland could consider sending troops to join an international peacekeeping force in Iraq at some time in the future under a United Nations Security Council mandate, writes Conor O'Clery, North America Editor, in Albany
"It changes the position for us if there is a Security Council mandate change," Mr Ahern said, in reply to a specific question as to whether Ireland would consider a request to send troops to Iraq if a new resolution were to be adopted at the United Nations.
"We are neutral, but when it comes to UN Security Council resolutions we've served in every part of the world," Mr Ahern stated. "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," said Mr Ahern, speaking to reporters after a meeting with Sen 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\]."
The US has circulated a draft resolution to the 15-member Security Council seeking UN backing for peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
Today President Bush will address the UN General Assembly and consult other world leaders about a new role for the UN in Iraq. Mr Ahern will address the General Assembly on Thursday as leaders of the Security Council countries discuss whether the role of the UN, as defined by Mr Bush, is sufficiently extended to encourage greater international participation.
Ms Clinton criticised US policy on Iraq when asked about Democratic prospects in the 2004 election. "Reality is a very hard opponent and what is occurring is what I and many others have predicted, that the policies of this administration are not working. They are not working in Iraq and they are not working at home. Americans are going to conclude that we can do better."
The press conference was dominated by questions to Ms Clinton about her presidential ambitions.
She has denied she intends to run next year but there is continued speculation that she could be enticed to run if no strong challenger to Mr Bush emerged.
"My position is as it has been ... that I have made my decision and I have no reason to change it. I'm going to support whoever emerges from this process," she said. Asked about her husband's statement that it was up to her to make up her mind, the former First Lady replied: "I think he has stated the reality. It is up to me. That's where it rests.
When an American reporter asked Mr Ahern, who described Ms Clinton as a close personal friend, if he would like to see her run, the Taoiseach replied, to laughter from the New York senator, "I think what the senator said about running is right."
Later yesterday Mr Ahern attended a reception in Albany hosted by the Republican Governor of New York, Mr George Pataki.