The Taoiseach has defended his decision to march at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York, despite mayors Bill de Blasio and Marty Walsh, of New York and Boston respectively, refusing to march in their own cities’ parades.
“I don't have any control over the conditions that are laid down by the organisers of the parade. From that point of view I have accepted the invitation and I am happy to walk in it” he said.
Mr Kenny was speaking alongside Mayor Walsh who said his decision not to attend the parade was not “tough” one.
“No, not a tough decision. Everything was agreed upon in principle regarding the parade, around gay veterans and law enforcement to march in the parade. What it came down to was being able to have a banner with a sign on it, LGBT” said Mayor Walsh.
“That's what it came down to in Boston. Everyone was agreed on all the other terms. I think if marching in a parade, you should be allowed to, able to carry that banner” he reiterated.
Mr Walsh then said in a statement that: "So much of our Irish history has been shaped by the fight against oppression."
Meanwhile in Dublin, LGBT groups have been calling on the Taoiseach to withdraw from his planned participation, or at least wear a rainbow label pin in solidarity with the excluded LGBT community.
Enda Kenny referred to the forthcoming referendum on gay marriage for gay people as recognition of the Irish state’s progressive approach to LGBTQ rights, pointing to the traditional nature of the New York parade as the oldest in the world.
“Obviously New York parade is the oldest in the world with half a million people marching in it and clearly from Ireland’s point of view, the Government has committed to holding a referendum on gay marriage next year which I think speaks for the opportunity the government are going to give the people to approve of the question to be asked on our constitution next year”
“So from that point of view, the parade in New York is of extraordinary connection with Ireland and the United States and let’s hope it’s a good occasion.”
The Taoiseach will meet Mayor Bill de Blasio in New York tomorrow where the issue will likely arise.
Mr de Blasio refused to march in the parade when he was the city’s public advocate over similar concerns so his boycott comes as no surprise this year.
As public opinion in the US, Ireland and beyond becomes less accepting of inequality for LGBTQ people, the Taoiseach may not be able to make the same decision at next year's parade.
Image: File pic of Taoiseach in Washington. Credit: Photocall Ireland
