Putting the country on the world stage

Undaunted by last year’s Project Ireland 2040 controversy, John Concannon is leading Ireland’s campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council in 2021

John Concannon, assistant secretary general in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;

What do Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan and Bono have in common? All feature in the promotional video that is part of the government campaign to secure a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

The seat is being sought by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as part of what he has called Ireland’s commitment to “multi-lateralism” and, according to its creator, John Concannon, the campaign is aimed at positioning Ireland as a ...