Taoiseach attends New York parade with mayor Bloomberg

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said his visit to the United States this week is to deliver the message that Ireland's plan for economic recovery is working.

He made the remarks before he marched in the St Patrick's day parade on Fifth Avenue in New York.

Earlier he held a meeting with New York's Mayor Micheal Bloomberg who said Ireland had displayed a "miraculous recovery" under Mr Kenny's leadership.

Speaking in New York, The Taoiseach said the St Patrick's Day visits of Government Ministers were an important way to spread a positive message about Ireland.

Meanwhile, almost two million people have turned out to watch the New York city St Patrick's day parade.

The Taoiseach and the mayor of New York marched in the parade, which was led by 750 members of the US military.

Mr Bloomberg said today is a day when everybody can celebrate being Irish.

Once again this year, Gay and Lesbian groups are banned from displaying gay pride messages or banners in the parade.

The organisers say it would detract from honouring Irish heritage.