Green dream: London’s biggest St Paddy’s Day parade yet

THE centre of London was virtually brought to a standstill yesterday as thousands of Irish people took part in a St Patrick’s Day parade through the city which culminated in Trafalgar Square.

The event was the biggest of its kind ever staged in the city, reflecting Mayor Ken Livingston’s promise in 2004 that the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in London would ultimately outdo those held in New York, Boston and Chicago.

The festivities began on Saturday evening when Mayor Livingston hosted a special dinner, sponsored by the Irish Post, in the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel.

This year, events in London, Manchester and Birmingham will be individually attended by the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, Minister for Arts, Sport and& Tourism John O’Donoghue and Minister of State Sean Power, respectively.

Mr Livingston, in a special message to Irish people throughout Britain, said Ireland was now one of the great successes in Europe.

Its success, together with the continuation of the Good Friday Agreement, has boosted the confidence of Irish communities throughout Britain, he said.

More than 3,000 people also attended a St Patrick’s Day brunch in the Royal Opera House hosted by Tourism Ireland and the Irish Times.

Meanwhile, at the mayors dinner, Golden St Patrick badges were presented for the first time. The recipients included the television star Gloria Hunniford and the co-founder of the Irish Post, Brendan MacLua, in recognition of their contribution to Irish communities and Britain generally.

The mayor’s guests included the Irish Ambassador Daithí O’Ceallaigh and Sinn Féin chief negotiator Martin McGuinness.

Mr O’Ceallaigh said the festival was a testament to the contribution of the Irish to their adoptive city.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a message of support for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. He said the wonderful event had now become a fixture in London’s calendar reflecting the enormous contribution of the Irish community in the city over centuries as well as their continuing achievements.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also sent a message of support as did Tessa Jowell, Britain’s Minister for Arts, Culture and Sport.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent and the deputy leader of the Irish Labour Party, Liz McManus also sent messages of support.