Celebrating St Patrick in London

Tens of thousands of people came together to transform London's West End into one large celebration of St Patrick's Day on Sunday 12 March. A parade involving flags, floats and bands from Counties Associations, trade unions, Gaelic sports organisations, political and campaigning groups, and many others was led by London's Mayor Ken Livingstone, Irish Ambassador Daithí Ó Cealaigh and guests from the political parties in Ireland, including Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP.

Trafalgar Square was the scene of the main part of the festival, where thousands packed around the fountains — where the water was dyed green for the occasion — to hear the Saw Doctors, Frances Black, and others.

Similar stages drew crowds to Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

London's Irish community is the largest ethnic minority group in London, with around 400,000 people of Irish descent. The event, the fourth now organised by the Mayor along with the Council of Irish Counties Association and many London Irish community groups, marked the enormous contribution Irish communities have made to the capital — socially, economically and historically.

Ken Livingstone called for Irish people in the city — who had been subjected to discrimination and vilification by the media and others over the years, and targeted by unjust anti-terror legislation in the past — to support other migrant communities, in particular Muslims, who are now facing similar attacks and demonisation.

He also pledged continuing support for the Peace Process, which had been a key factor in helping transform the situation for Irish people London.

The Sinn Féin Vice President was in London for the week, to attend a St Patrick's event at the Irish Embassy, at Westminster and to discuss with editorial boards and others the current political situation with the Peace Process.

He also hosted a Westminster reception for MPs, Irish community groups and others to mark St Patrick's Day.