Irish PM Rejects Abbott's Patrick's Day Message

Irish prime minister Enda Kenny has responded angrily to remarks made by his Australian counterpart appearing to criticise Ireland's fondness for alcohol.

Tony Abbott released a video message last week to mark St Patrick's Day where he said the 17 March was the "one day where it was good to be green".

The PM, wearing a green tie, then awkwardly joked about sharing a pint of Guinness, "or two, or maybe even three" with emigrants in Australia.

Speaking in Washington DC, Mr Kenny dismissed Mr Abbott's comments: "I've heard the prime minister's comments. 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," he said in quotes reported by the Irish Independent.

"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."

After Mr Abbott's video was released, two St Patrick's Day events decided not to screen the message after critics described it as "patronising".

Australia's defence minister Kevin Andrews also appeared to make a link between the Irish and alcohol by tweeting a photo of himself holding a can of Guinness.

This is not the first time high-profile Irish figures have hit out at reported stereotyping.

Last year the Irish ambassador to Australia attacked a national newspaper for the demeaning way it reported a court case involving an Irish man who, he said, "expressed remorse and shame for his actions".

Noel White said: "The Irish do well in Australia. They work hard. And if nationalities can be characterised, they live life to the full, often with high spirits and good humour, characteristics they share with many others.

"Also, like others, the Irish are not immune to the effect of offensive and insulting language."