Trending Now - Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Comments at St. Patrick's Day Event
WHO:
Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League
Neil Cosgrove, political education chair of The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Jessica Tisch, New York City Police Commissioner
Cardinal Timothy Dolan
John Samuelsen, TWU International President
Virginia Maloney, City Councilmember
Christine Quinn, former City Council Speaker
WHAT:
Mamdani stated, "I say this as over the past few years, as we’ve witnessed a genocide unfold before our eyes, there has been deafening silence from so many."
Mamdani thanked Irish New Yorkers for helping to take up the "fight for a future of justice."
Robinson noted, "For many Irish people, these realities resonate deeply, as the mayor has said, our own history holds memories of famine, exile, and conflict."
Donohue criticized Mamdani for politicizing St. Patrick’s Day, stating, "Mamdani is a master of the politics of victimization."
Cosgrove remarked that "Irish America doesn’t get half the recognition it deserves."
Mamdani delivered remarks referencing the "genocide" of Palestinians during a St. Patrick’s Day event.
Mamdani hosted a breakfast at Gracie Mansion with Mary Robinson on March 17th, 2026.
Mamdani participated in the 264th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City.
Robinson described St. Patrick’s Day as a time to recognize those "living under the shadow of war and suffering."
Mamdani expressed solidarity with the Irish community and their history of oppression.
WHERE:
Gracie Mansion, New York City
Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City
WHEN:
March 17th, 2026, Mamdani hosted the first woman elected president of Ireland for a pre-dawn breakfast at Gracie Mansion.
March 17th, 2026, St. Patrick’s Day event
Robinson served as President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997.
Robinson and Clark made a statement regarding Gaza after a visit to the Rafah border crossing in the summer of 2025.
WHY:
Mamdani's remarks aimed to draw parallels between the Irish experience and the Palestinian situation, emphasizing solidarity.
Mamdani's remarks aimed to draw parallels between Irish history and the plight of Palestinians.
Robinson's advocacy for Palestinians aligns with Mamdani's political stance.
HOW:
Mamdani attended a mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral before marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Mamdani hosted an invitation-only breakfast with Robinson before attending the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Mamdani expressed his views on solidarity and the contributions of Irish Americans at a press event prior to the celebration.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 23:14 UTC)
On March 17, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted Mary Robinson, the first woman elected president of Ireland, for a pre-dawn breakfast at Gracie Mansion, where he emphasized the need for solidarity by drawing parallels between the Irish experience and the Palestinian situation. Mamdani expressed gratitude to Irish New Yorkers for their support in the fight for justice, while Robinson reflected on the deep resonance of these issues for many Irish people, recalling their own history of famine and conflict. However, his comments sparked criticism from Bill Donohue, who accused Mamdani of politicizing St. Patrick’s Day, and Neil Cosgrove, who argued that Irish America deserves more recognition.
--
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 21:13 UTC)
Today, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted an invitation-only breakfast at Gracie Mansion with former Irish President Mary Robinson, where he delivered remarks about the "genocide" of Palestinians during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Mamdani emphasized solidarity with the Irish community and their history of oppression while participating in the 264th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Fifth Avenue, where Robinson highlighted the importance of recognizing those "living under the shadow of war and suffering." The event brought together notable figures, including New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, as they gathered to honor both Irish heritage and the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.