Fightin' Irish Pissed Over Bloomberg's "Inebriated Irish" Remark

Keep Talking, Bloomberg (Jamie NYC's Flickr)

A group of Irish-Americans booed Mayor Bloomberg today after a bizarre comment he made in a speech at the American Irish Historical Society on Fifth Avenue. Bloomberg was on hand for the launch of the book "Celebrating 250 Years of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade" by Irish American historian John Ridge. In the first moments of his speech, the mayor reportedly broke the ice by reminding the audience that he lived nearby and was used to seeing "inebriated Irish hanging out the windows" at the Society. That didn't exactly warm up the crowd.

Irish Central reports that Bloomberg's comments was met with boos, but the mayor soldiered on with his speech, reportedly continuing in "a strange vein," asking when the parade was being held. In what may have been an attempt to save himself by shifting focus to those swarthy garlic-eating Italians, the mayor reportedly remarked that "it was good it was always on the same day so he wouldn't confuse it with Columbus Day." Heh, all these immigrant parades look the same!

Asked about his comment later, Bloomberg told reporters, "Now, I was talking about a party that they have every year on Saint Patrick’s Day where they sort of—it’s traditional to hang out the window and yell and scream, and it’s in good fun, and I certainly didn’t mean anything that anybody should take offense to, but anybody that’s been to the Saint Patrick’s Day parade—at least for as many years as I have—it’s a beautiful building, it’s a great organization. They have a very good time on Saint Patrick’s Day. I just wish that I didn’t have to march in the parade. I’d rather be up there with them, particularly when it’s cold."

Not good enough, Mr. Mayor! How DARE you suggest that the St. Patrick's Day brings out all the rowdy inebriated Irishmen! [Via Daily Politics]

Update 2:41 p.m.: In a statement, the mayor added, "I apologize, I certainly did not mean to offend anybody."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on February 10, 2011 2:32 PM

Comments [rss]

zincink

I don't know about anyone else but we normally just have a nice quiet family dinner.

healthstudent

When did New Yorkers become such whiny 12-year old girls? The mayor offended you? Aw, sad face!

The "Blame Bloomberg for everything" movement is getting really old. Spoiler alert: It snows in the winter and Irish people (myself included) drink on St. Pat's. Deal with it.

yetanotherdamneduselessaccount

That picture looks more like some House of Pain wannabes more than any Irishmen.

Rod

ATTENTION ALL MICKS!

the revolution starts on March 17th!

spread the word.

xgeyiph772

Having lived on the East Side for almost 10 years earlier this decade, I clearly remember dozens of drunken Irish folks pissing and puking all around the n'hood during (and for many hours after) the parade. Why is it OK to piss and puke on someone's doorstep, but not make fun of those selfsame piss-pukers?

Guest

"Having lived on the East Side for almost 10 years earlier this decade..."

You might want to rethink this statement, professor.

xgeyiph772

No need to double-post professor, I got your point the first time.

dollarmenu

I'm glad I'm taking this course pass/fail because this lecture sucks.

client_9

"Having lived on the East Side for almost 10 years earlier this decade..."

You might want to rethink that statement, professor.

xgeyiph772

Thanks for pointing that out. Of course I meant the last decade. I know you didn't mean to be a smartass, since I'm not a professor.

Midori Ltv Amasaki

If you read the whole thing, it's pretty clear that Bloomberg rather be sitting around drinking and partying and making a lot of noise than walking in a parade. Clearly he's jealous of the inebriated masses.Which is sad, because I know I'd never invite an a-hole like him to a party... Stay Jealous, Bloombag!.

Tip for the gothamist tech team: Build a 'Bloomberg to reality' translator script! Clearly this old windbag can't speak straight and is starting to resemble the mumbling mayor of his hometown.

spiv

Can't wait for one of those drunken Irish criminals to make him their leprechaun bitch!

virgilstarkwell

lighten the f up, you dumb micks. guess what? some irish like to drink. and some black guys are good at basketball. and some jews are tight with a dollar. and some asian dudes have really small penises. they're called stereotypes because there's a little bit of truth in there - it's nothing to get your panties in a bunch over.

client_9

Seriously? A few people booed the mayor. That's what you consider getting your panties in a bunch? I'd say that was an appropriate response to most things the mayor says.

virgilstarkwell

no, i think it being reported on in an irish newspaper and then picked up here is moving towards panty-bunching.

Rod

from the photo, I'd say these lads look like they're ready to OUST our little fascist mayor... perhaps we should begin the revolution on st. paddy's day.

I'll bring a few bottles of whiskey to get these kids started!