Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BONO BACKS UN BID
Varadkar wants Security Council seat
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar joined Bono in New York last night as part of a glitzy campaign backing Ireland’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council.
The Stateside PR blitz included the Taoiseach hosting a delegation of United Nations chiefs at U2’s sold-out gig at Madison Square Garden.
Tonight Mr Varadkar will be joined by Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, former president and UN Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson and Bono for the formal pitch at an event on the lawn of the UN’S famous headquarters in New York city.
The charm offensive marks the official launch of Ireland’s election campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term. UMA Thurman is easy to spot as she steps out in a leopardprint skirt and baggy overcoat.
The Kill Bill actress, 48, was modelling for Miu Miu in Paris. Ireland is competing with Canada and Norway for one of two places.
Mr Varadkar said: “Ireland’s campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council is central to our international agenda and is driven by our belief we are far stronger acting together than we are acting alone. Winning a seat on the UN Security Council would place Ireland at the heart of UN decisionmaking on international issues.
“It would also continue Ireland’s proud tradition of international engagement dating back to our admission to the UN in 1955.” This morning the Taoiseach will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s joining UN peacekeeping operations.