Ireland's Foreign Relations in 2001

Abstract

Ireland was centre stage in 2001, chairing the UN Security Council after the events of 11 September. In Ireland sympathy and support for America was tinged with concerns over America's response to the attacks and its tough stance in international affairs. The day-to-day business of foreign affairs continued to be conducted by the minister for foreign affairs and his department, with an expansion of Ireland's diplomatic network to a number of EU accession states. The Oireachtas and the European and Foreign Affairs joint committees debated current international issues and considered amendments to the constitution arising from the Nice Treaty and the International Criminal Court. Periodic media and public attention focused on the issues of the Sellafield mixed oxide fuel (MOX) plant and refugees. The rejection of the Nice Treaty prompted much soul-searching in the government, with the taoiseach explaining to Ireland's European partners that this was not a vote against enlargement. In contrast, Ireland was praised for its handling of UN Security Council business after holding the chair of the Council in October. Northern Ireland remained at the top of the government's agenda, with high-level diplomacy on the part of the taoiseach and the British prime minister in an effort to implement the Good Friday Agreement.