Ireland takes charge of UN Security Council

Ireland is now in charge of the United Nations Security Council.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen took over the powerful position in New York at 5.00am Irish time this morning.

The UN Security Council is made up of fifteen member states, including five permanent members - the United States, Britain, China, Russia and France. Ireland is one of the non-permanent members elected to the body for a two-year term.

The body tries to resolve international conflicts and has the power to sanction military intervention during disputes. Countries who are not members of the Council may attend the meetings if they are being discussed but they may not vote.

Ireland takes over the body for October at a crucial time, with an international coalition against terrorism forming and mounting concerns over an unfolding humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.