Bono backs Irish UN Security Council bid

LEO VARADKAR, the Irish leader, has visited New York to launch his country’s bid for a UN Security Council seat.

Ireland will compete with Canada and Norway for one of two seats available for the 2021-22 term, as the Taoiseach seeks to place his country at the heart of the UN debate on international peace, security and development. Mr Varadkar, 39, led a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

He paid tribute to the 88 members of the Irish Defence Forces who have died while on UN service. On Sunday UN ambassadors were invited to a U2 concert at Madison Square Garden as part of the Irish push to win the seat. They heard Bono, the band’s singer, praise Mr Varadkar and Simon Coveney, the Tánaiste, for their “very hard work” in protecting “our borderless island”.

The official launch of Ireland’s campaign took place at UN headquarters yesterday with an event celebrating Irish food, music, heritage and culture.

Mr Varadkar said Ireland’s campaign was “driven by our belief that we are far stronger acting together than we are acting alone… Ireland is vocal, active and courageously committed”.