Tony Abbott’s ‘patronising’ St Patrick’s Day message

IT’S Tony Abbott as you haven’t seen him in a really long time — wearing a tie that’s not blue. And offending a group of people which isn’t as unusual.

THE Prime Minister’s latest YouTube update comes with relief to everyone sick of seeing him in a blue tie every single day, and great offence to the Irish.

Unable to attend St Patrick’s Day business lunches in Melbourne and Sydney today, the Prime Minister instead delivered a video message that Irish leaders have dubbed “patronising”.

Focusing on the Irish sense of humour and love of drinking rather than business prowess, which the lunches are held in honour of, Mr Abbott calls St Patrick’s Day “the one day of the year when it’s good to be green”.

Tony Abbott, celebrating our Irish heritage.

“As you can see I’ve got my green tie on for the occasion,” he says.

“The pubs and clubs homes and halls Australian will celebrate this day for the Irish. It’s a great day for the Irish, and for the English the Vietnamese the Cambodians, and everyone else who cares to come to a party.”

An Irish business leader told the Irish Timesthe community was disappointed by the clip.

“I would have hoped for a more business-focused message in a video that was designed for business functions,” he said.

“There are so many good stories of Irish people in business in Australia, Mr Abbott’s lack of awareness of any of that is astonishing.”

Mr Abbott at the Landsdowne St Patrick’s Day lunch in 2011.

The video, supplied to the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce, will not be played at either of the events it was intended for.

Mr Abbott ended the clip apologising he “can’t be there to share a Guinness or two, or maybe even three”.