Irish troops could yet serve for UN in Iraq

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has given the strongest indication yet that Irish troops will be sent to Iraq if there is a new United Nations mandate.

The Taoiseach, who was speaking after a meeting with Senator Hillary Clinton in Albany, New York, revealed that a new Security Council resolution would change Ireland's position on Iraq and could open up the way for Irish troops to be deployed there.

Later this week, Mr Ahern will address the United Nations General Assembly in New York where he is expected to set out Ireland's position on Iraq.

He reiterated yesterday that Ireland's neutrality dictated that a troop deployment could only happen with the backing of a UN resolution.

But he also signalled that Ireland might be prepared to back a resolution for an international force to be deployed.

Mr Ahern said that Ireland would work in the first instance to get a "successful [UN] resolution".

"It requires the support of the Security Council and an all-out effort is needed to help [achieve this].

"It changes the position for us if there is a Security Council mandate," he confirmed.

Outlining Ireland's position on future deployment, he said: "We are a neutral country. But when it comes to Security Council resolutions, our army has served all over the world.

"Our army may not be big in numbers but we've 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."

Mr Ahern arrived by the Government jet into Albany, the state capital of New York, for an official meeting with Senator Clinton at the College of Saint Rose.

He described her as a "personal friend" with an unsurpassed knowledge of the Northern peace process.

Speaking to reporters, the Taoiseach outlined the three critical issues that faced the parties over the next three weeks.

He said there needed to be commitments that elections be held before Christmas and that paramilitary activity would end for good.

If institutions were set up, he said, reassurances would be needed that they work well on all sides, including the unionist side.

However, Mr Ahern also made it clear that a multi-faceted solution was necessary and that holding elections a move the Government has consistently called for would not be enough in itself.

"We can get elections and nothing else," he said.

"All that will give is a democratic mandate in a bad situation. That is not what I have been working for. That is not what Senator Clinton has been working for."

There has been ongoing speculation that Hillary Clinton would throw her hat in the ring in the Democratic presidential race. It has been stoked up by reports that her husband wants her to run.

She strongly ruled out the possibility, saying it was her decision to make, and not her husband's.

"I have made my decision. I see no to reason to change it.

"I will support whoever emerges from this process. I have every confidence that we will a strong candidate for the Presidency."

Mr Ahern was asked his opinion on her running for the Presidency.

To cries of "unfair" from Senator Clinton to the question, he raised a laugh when he responded: "I think what the Senator said about running is right."