NY mayor sorry over ‘Paddy’ joke
Mr Bloomberg has apologised for any offence caused by his comments, which were made at an event at the Irish American Historical Society.
He told the gathering that he was used to seeing “people that are totally inebriated hanging out the window” at the Society on St Patrick’s Day.
“I know that’s a stereotype of the Irish,” said the mayor, who lives close to the society’s headquarters on Fifth Avenue, “but nevertheless, we Jews who live around the corner think this”.
The comments elicited groans from the audience, with a mixture of laughter and moans from the crowd of about 100.
The remarks went largely unnoticed at first, because the event was not widely covered by the media.
But after word leaked out, and an audio clip of the mayor’s remarks were played on local television, criticism mounted.
It was the lead story on the front page of both of New York City’s tabloid newspapers on Friday.
“Irish Stew” was the headline on the New York Post, “Bloomy’s Blarney” read the New York Daily News headline.
Mr Bloomberg issued a formal apology yesterday.
“I certainly did not mean to offend anybody. They have a very good time on St Patrick’s Day. I just wish I didn’t have to march in the parade. I’d rather be up there with them particularly when it’s cold.”
Chairman of the St Patrick’s Day parade John Dunleavy said he was dismayed by Mr Bloomberg’s comments.
“In this day and age for the mayor of the city of New York to make comments like that is outrageous and totally uncalled for,” he said.
Prominent Irish American, radio host Adrian Flannelly, who introduced Bloomberg on the night said the remarks were “strictly joshing”.
