Beleaguered UN gets Government's backing

THE Taoiseach has said the Government fully supports the United Nations as the body responsible for maintaining peace and security throughout the world.

But Bertie Ahern refused to condemn the United States and Britain for their pre-emptive strike on Iraq without UN backing.

"The Government supports a system of collective international security. I am not answerable for pre-emptive strikes by anybody. I believe in the United Nations and I want to see it fully complied with," Mr Ahern said.