Vol. 516 No. 5
22 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress to date of Ireland's campaign to seek election to the Security Council of the United Nations; and the number of states which have pledged support for Ireland's election to date. [8475/00]
Ireland is seeking election to one of the two non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council which are designated for the "Western European and Others" group of states for the two-year term 2001-02. The election, which will take place in October 2000, is being contested by two other candidates: Norway and Italy. Turkey withdrew its candidacy on 10 February. Successful candidates will require the support of two-thirds of those states present and voting. In effect, this means that the support of around 125 states will be needed to secure election. The election is by secret ballot.
Former Minister Andrews strongly promoted Ireland's candidacy on all appropriate occasions and the Minister for Foreign Affairs intends to continue and extend the level of lobbying activity as the campaign intensifies, in this, its final year.
The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and other members of the Government, as well as a number of Ministers of State, have also promoted the Irish candidacy in their contacts with other administrations.
