Tony Abbott drew widespread scorn for comments such as "this is the one day of the year when it’s good to be green”
+ READ ARTICLEIrish Prime Minister Enda Kenny admits to being irked by a St. Patrick’s Day video posted by his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott, saying it perpetuates a “stage Irish perception.”
In an extremely cringeworthy clip, the Australian Prime Minister highlights his green tie, makes quips about “being green” and says how he wants to celebrate the day by drinking lots of Guinness.
“This is the one day of the year when it’s good to be green,” he says, in reference to his regressive environmental policies. “I’m sorry I can’t be there to share a Guinness or two, or maybe even three, but like you, I do rejoice in St Patrick’s Day.”
After attending a meeting at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Kenny told reporters that he didn’t agree with Abbott’s remarks.
“There has been a long-term view of a stage Irish perception. I reject that,” he said, reports the Irish Times.
He went on to say that people should enjoy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations responsibly.
“I think it’s really important that we understand that we have a national day that can be celebrated worldwide, St Patrick’s Day.”
Abbott drew widespread scorn for the video address, with members of the Irish community describing his comments as “patronizing.”
“It’s been said of us that the English made the laws, the Scots made the money and the Irish made the songs,” he said in the video.