Claim President turned down New York parade invite over banning of gays

ÁRAS an Uachtaráin last night refused to confirm or deny claims President Mary McAleese turned down the role of grand marshal of the New York St Patrick’s Day parade because the event excludes gay people.

Scheduling problems were blamed for the decision by the president’s spokesperson, who would not be drawn on speculation in America that the homophobic attitude of organisers was a key factor in her move.

Acceptance of the invitation to lead the 2011 parade – the 250th anniversary of the event – would almost certainly have drawn criticism from gay equality campaigners.