Tanaiste says national day opportunity to case Ireland in a good light.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has appealed to people to avoid the excessive drinking that sometimes mars St Patrick’s Day celebrations because it casts Ireland in a bad light.
Mr Gilmore said the national day should be an enjoyable occasion for all but criticised a minority of revellers who engaged in on-street alcohol consumption.
“I think that people should enjoy St Patrick’s Day but I would appeal to people to avoid the kind of excesses that we have sometimes seen, particularly the kind of drinking in public places, on the streets and so on,” he said.
“It has to be said we are talking here about a minority of people who would engage in that but it does cast a bad light on the country. St Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to cast the country in a good light and I think that we all have a responsibility to do that.”
Mr Gilmore was speaking at the announcement that 20 Government representatives will travel abroad to represent Ireland. While a particular emphasis will be put on the US, European capitals and emerging markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines will also be destinations, with Saudi Arabia another first-time location. Last year, 17 Ministers travelled, close to double the 2011 figure.
Source: Mary Minihan, Irish Times, 14/03/13
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