Mayors sign St Patrick's Day friendship deal

London Mayor Ken Livingstone was today signing a friendship agreement with the Lord Mayor of Dublin aimed at promoting culture, tourism and business in both cities.

Footballers, television stars, singers and politicians were attending the official Mayor’s St Patrick’s Day dinner where Mr Livingstone was signing the pact with Dublin’s Lord Mayor Dermot Lacey.

Mr Livingstone described the signing of the agreement as “an historic day for Dublin and London”.

“I am delighted to be signing this agreement on St Patrick’s Day weekend, when we celebrate all things Irish.

“The agreement will strengthen the economic and cultural life of London and Dublin by promoting tourism, business and cultural activities,” Mr Livingstone said.

Mr Lacey said: “The long and chequered relationship between Dublin and London is now entering a new era.

“London has provided a home and place of work for tens of thousands of Dubliners over the years and in turn many Londoners have come to Dublin to enjoy our city.

“This friendship agreement provides the framework for sustained cooperation between our two great capital cities and I look forward to many years of mutual benefit in the years ahead.”

The dinner, ahead of St Patrick’s Day on Monday, is being held at the exclusive Dorchester Hotel, central London.

Among those expected to watch the agreement being signed were football stars Mick McCarthy, Jack Charlton and Niall Quinn.

Famous faces from the world of television set to attend include Neil Morrissey, Adrian Dunbar, Pauline McLynn, Dermot O’Leary, Dermot Murnaghan, TV gardener Diarmuid Gavin and former boxer Barry McGuigan, as well as politicians and representatives of the Irish business community.