Irish American woman vows to become New York's first female and gay mayor

An Irish American woman has formally announced her bid to become New York's first female and openly-gay mayor.

Forty-six year-old Christine Quinn was named "Irish-American of the Year" in 2008 after she boycotted the city's St Patrick's Day parade over the ban on homosexual marchers.

She is expected to secure the Democratic nomination for the position, which will be vacated by mayor Michael Bloomberg later this year.

It’s going to be a great journey and it starts today. Join me #Quinn4NY: http://t.co/DcVtFLE5TJ

— Christine Quinn (@Quinn4NY) March 10, 2013