Al Smith IV to be named as Grand Marshal for 2013 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade

Shameful he and his cronies were largely responsible for the downfall of a great hospital in NYC since St Vincent s1849. this is an outrage with three hospitals in Manhattan closed for months w hurricane Sandy. Hospitals are now way over capacity, he helped put this city at great risk. . Who chose him disgraceful and embarrassing. Sometimes I can t stand being irish American we are a bunch of dopes when we make decisions like this having him as the grand Marshall. Just sad

I worked at St. Vincent's for 15 years until their closure in 2010. Al Smith was Chairman of the Board from 2007-2010 and served on the Board for many years prior. Under his watch over 3,500 employees lost their jobs with very little notice. The NYSDOL sued the hospital on behalf of the employees and won for violation of the WARN Act. He oversaw the total financial ruin of this hospital. He can look forward to many hecklers attending the parade if he actually is the Grand Marshall. This is a disgrace.

Great day and parade.----The granpa being the one who took the fall when he was used by the great F D R

Sounds cool. I'm not catholic, I'm a protestant but I've been in the parade three years in a row with my irish dancing school. Its so exciting can't wait. I also can't believe they named the Grand Marshal already. I love the St Pat's parade. Its the best one in NYC.