Cannon to represent Government at St Pat’s for All parade in NYC

Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for Education and Skills, Ciaran Cannon TD, will tomorrow (Sunday) represent the Government at the St Pat’s for All parade in New York city. The annual event, which includes LGBT groups, community groups, children’s bands, Irish organisations and religious and civic groups, celebrates the Irish community in New York.

Rory O’Neill, aka Panti Bliss, is among those also attending the event.

Speaking today, Minister Cannon said: ‘It is a great honour to be asked to represent the Government at this all inclusive event, which is a celebration of the vibrancy and diversity of the Irish community in New York’.

“Just like here at home, the Irish community in New York is a diverse group, encompassing people from all walks of life, all of whom are proud to be Irish.

“Irish society has come a long way in the last decade in terms of its openness and inclusivity. We have developed into a much more mature society, and I believe the Taoiseach has played a leading role in ensuring equality is at the heart of Government policy.

“It is also very important that the modern Ireland of today is accurately represented abroad. At times, one can encounter an impression of Ireland overseas which is out of date, and doesn’t fairly represent our society today.

“From what I have seen online, previous St Pat’s for All parades have been uplifting celebrations of all that’s special about being Irish. As a musician, I’m particularly looking forward to hearing that expressed through our rich musical heritage.”

ENDS