Kenny: Perceptions of Ireland’s drink culture are wrong

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has rejected international perceptions of Ireland’s drink culture ahead of his St Patrick’s Day meeting with US president Barack Obama in the White House.

Mr Kenny dismissed controversial remarks by Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, whose speech about the national day and drinking has drawn huge criticism. Mr Abbott sparked controversy after suggesting in a video clip that St Patrick’s Day was about drinking pints of Guinness and partying for emigrants.

In what was viewed as a somewhat patronising speech, Mr Abbott said: “The English made the laws, the Scots made the money, and the Irish made the songs.