Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With respect, that is not a fair reflection on what was achieved. We were competing for two places in a group of three countries. The other two countries against which we were competing were Norway and Canada, two of the most popular countries in the UN. Certainly, Ireland getting through on the first round, just, was not expected by most people. It is true we have been on the Security Council before. Every 20 years, as it happens, we have successfully managed to get on the Security Council but this was seen as one of the most difficult votes Ireland has every faced in a UN vote. It is not an exaggeration to say that.

We had been successful against Italy, previously, which was a difficult contest. We have been elected uncontested at different times, as well, but this was certainly seen as a significant task to be in the top 2 in that group of three. That is why people were so up for it in the Department. That is why they were there expecting to work through the night. That is also why, even though it is not a justification, of course, people celebrated in the way they did. They were both relieved and extremely happy about what had happened and, unfortunately, let their guard down in that space.