PM rejects perception of Irish drinking culture

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has rejected remarks by his Australian counterpart for bolstering the stereotypical view that Ireland’s culture is synonymous with alcohol.

Irish prime minister Enda Kenny has rejected the Australian prime minister’s perception of Iris alcohol culture

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s St Patrick’s Day video message was released last week in which he describes 17 March as “one day where it was good to be green”.

His comments prompted criticism for signing off his message with an apology that he “can’t be there to share a Guinness or two or maybe even three”.

However, speaking in Washington ahead of spending St Patrick’s Day with US President Barack Obama, Kenny said he did not agree with Abbott’s remarks.

“I’ve heard the prime minister’s comments,” said Kenny. “He made them. I don’t agree with that.

“I think that it is perfectly in order for so many Irish people in Australia to have an enjoyable celebration of St Patrick’s Day and St Patrick’s week, and to do so in a thoroughly responsible fashion.

“There has been a long-term view of a stage Irish perception. I reject that.

“I think it’s really important that we understand that we have a national day that can be celebrated worldwide, St Patrick’s Day.”

Following the release of Abbott’s video, two St Patrick’s Day events chose not to show the clip, describing the message as “patronising”.

In June 2014, a government-funded report into Ireland’s drinking culture concluded that alcohol has become “embedded” in the country’s national identity.

To celebrate St Patrick’s day today, The Spirits Business has compiled a list of the most influential people in Irish whiskey.