Despite warnings from some commentators to the contrary, the recent election in East Timor passed off peacefully.
The results may be a disappointment for Fretilin but it is a good result for the future democracy of Timor Loro Sae. Fretilin failed to get a two-thirds majority but this augers well for a broad-based constitution not dictated by one party.
Over 90 per cent of the electorate exercised their newly-won democratic rights. As with the 1999 referendum, many Timorese made their way from isolated hamlets, often walking for hours beneath the tropical glare, to wait for the polling booths to open.
This time, they voted without fear: two years ago, the votes were cast under the shadow of (Western-supplied) arms. Contrast this to elections in Western democracies where half-full ballot boxes are the norm. An added bonus was the announcement that the charismatic independence leader, Mr Jose Kay Rala "Xanana" Gusmao, would stand in the presidential election.
Another bonus will be that over 25 per cent of the deputies will be women.
The cause of East Timor has been helped immeasurably by Mr Gusmao, the poet turned guerrilla turned symbol of hope. The constitutional assembly will decide on the type of presidency an independent East Timor will have.
The Irish presence in East Timor, which has included Garda participation in the UN Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) and the Irish Rangers, but also the work of agencies like Concern and Goal, is set to continue. The Government has also opened a representative office in the territory.
As the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTEAT) winds down its $1 billion operation in East Timor, much work still needs to be done. Local militias wrecked large areas of the territory together with Indonesian military in September, 1999, after 78.5 per cent of the electorate voted for independence.
There have been problems. For the example, as reported in The Irish Times, Amnesty International found that "law and order is barely being maintained and justice is not being administered effectively and the future of human rights of the East Timorese cannot be guaranteed".
Amnesty found that the Timorese judiciary lacked the necessary training and were vulnerable to political pressure, including threats and intimidation. What is beyond doubt is that the justice system in East Timor needs urgent resources and support to ensure that the rights of the Timorese people are protected in the future.
This support can be best achieved through direct intervention or to the direct support of civic society. It is expected that the UN will now begin the process of withdrawal from East Timor save for a small number of civilian staff. This withdrawal itself may mean the loss of ancillary jobs for many Timorese. However, the peace-keeping forces are expected to remain there for at least three years.
This period can be shortened if the Indonesian government takes a more positive attitude to its southern neighbour. The present situation in East Timor provides a unique opportunity for the Irish Government to act as a mentor to the first new nation of the millennium.
Never before has such an opportunity presented itself whereby the Government can involve itself in the building up of a nation.
The Government has given priority status to East Timor for reconstruction, human rights and the protection of democracy.
While it falls short of the benefits that accrue to countries with full "priority status" it was a welcome decision. This priority status is due to end in December, 2002. It should be extended and expanded on for at least a further five years.
This is the time frame that many expect to be the most difficult for the emerging nation. The Government intends to increase the Irish Aid budget from £260 million to £800 million over the next five years.
This offers the opportunity for imaginative and innovative strategies on how these monies can be used most effectively.
Timor is a case whereby targeted aid can be most effective as the fledgling nation state walks the hazardous road to economic viability.
A pro rata increase in the monies earmarked for Timor would allow the territory to achieve the targets set in education, health and food security. By adopting this type of approach, I believe other donor countries would follow Ireland's example.
I believe Ireland should take on a mentoring role towards East Timor. This would translate as dialogue with the East Timorese, advising them on the construction of a firm economic base. Having watched our own economy, dubbed "Poorest of the Rich" by the Economist in the 1980s, renamed "Europe's Shining Light" by the same newspaper a few years later, we can offer a blueprint to East Timor.
Of vital importance now is the lifting the nation from the level of subsistence agrarian economy and establishing trade links with its two huge neighbours, Indonesia and Australia.
East Timor also needs a comprehensive medical and educational system.
Given a population of about 800,000, this does not present insurmountable challenges. There are many openings for both the public and private sector in this regard.
This would be in line with the more than honourable role played by Ireland in standing with the Timorese in their hour of need.
Tom Hyland is coordinator of the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign