Burton marches alongside LGBT community in Boston St Patrick's Day parade

Joan Burton said it is "hugely positive" that two groups representing the LGBT community have been included in this year's St. Patrick's Day parade in Boston.

The Tánaiste is marching in the parade this evening alongside Boston Pride and gay veterans' group OUTVETS.

The Tánaiste has also used the occasion as an opportunity to campaign for a "yes" vote in Ireland's forthcoming marriage equality referendum.

She said it is significant that progress should happen in Massachusetts, which was the very first US state to legalise same-sex marriage 11 years ago.