On an international level, the UN is the only game in town. The role of the UN as a world moral police, and as an enforcer of civilised order when necessary, must be strongly supported by a small country like Ireland. Despite its size, this country has always punched above its weight internationally. Ireland received an overwhelming vote of confidence in 2000, during the election to the UN Security Council. I pay tribute to the Minister, Deputy Cowen, the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, Ambassador Ryan and our diplomatic staff at Iveagh House and the United Nations. During Ireland's two year term on the Security Council, we rewarded those who showed confidence in us by taking a firm stance in relation to human rights issues and by placing an emphasis on Africa and the developing world.