St Patrick's Day: Tony Abbott's 'green' video condemned by Taoiseach Enda Kenny

The Australian PM’s call to his nation to celebrate their Irish heritage caused an outcry

Irish Prime Minister Taoiseach Enda Kenny has rejected Tony Abbott’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration video because, like many who criticised its content before him, he believes it perpetuates a “stage Irish perception”.

The Australian PM’s call to his nation to celebrate their Irish heritage caused an outcry, largely for the numerous references he made to the colour green, drinking Guinness and singing.

“It’s been said of us that the English made the laws, the Scots made the money and the Irish made the songs,” Abbott states in the video.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaks to members of the media (PA)

Following a meeting at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kenny told the Irish Times of Abbott’s tribute: “There has been a long-term view of a stage Irish perception. I reject that.