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Quinn Mighty Irish
NEW York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is an interesting candidate for mayor two years hence. She has been polishing her Irish credentials carefully in the past few months, leaving few in doubt about her ambitions.
She attended the Irish Arts Center star-studded awards dinner on Friday night where she was presented with an award amidst shots of her with Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Flatley and others.
Quinn, of course, is central to the idea of a new Irish cultural center building in Manhattan, which is long overdue. As you will read elsewhere, there is considerable movement on that issue. If she delivers she will truly be considered the Mighty Quinn
On Sunday she was in the heavily Irish neighborhood of Sunnyside, Queens speaking to local residents on issues of concern.
She made it clear through her staff that she is fully supportive of Governor Eliot Spitzer's new rule which will allow undocumented residents to apply for driver's licenses, which is now a touchstone issue in the Irish community.
Right now Quinn and Congressman Anthony Weiner would be the front-runners on the Democratic side for the mayor's position. Weiner has also been burnishing his Irish credentials with a recent trip to the Emerald Isle.
No doubt they are both hoping that current Police Commissioner Ray Kelly stays out of the race, as he would surely be a formidable competitor.
Flatley Wows Them
SPEAKING of the Irish Arts Center event last Friday, it seems they had an incredible night of stars with Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Ciaran Hinds, Michael Flatley and Gabriel Byrne to name but a few on hand.
