111 Comments

• sporty5mics | Feb 14, 2011, 10:39 PM EST

  didn't know messages got deleted from this comment page, thats weak..Niall O'Dowd must of gotten insulted by the truth

• sporty5mics | Feb 14, 2011, 10:36 PM EST

  KellyLongIsland...your dead on..keep it up

• sporty5mics | Feb 14, 2011, 10:31 PM EST

  I think Niall O'Dowd is just caving in...probally got a call from the filthy ,racist jew Bloomberg..everything he does is for his own gain (both guys)...For us Irish-Americans born here in NYC, the Mayor could give a crap..he showed what he really feels by saying that stupid comment in the first place. He could also give a crap about the Irish families lost in the WTC

• pilib04 | Feb 13, 2011, 07:20 PM EST

  Why is it that all a politician has to do after making a racist or bigoted remark is say, "I'm sorry" and all is forgiven? Bloomberg isn't sorry. He's just sorry that Irish took offense. He's not sorry for saying what he said.

• bunkerhill | Feb 13, 2011, 11:40 AM EST

  A blogger named Coyne deserves credit for this. "Remember what happened to singer Ronay Tynon when he made a silly remark about two old Jewish ladies. He was paraded on TV by a Jewiah tenant in his building, banned from singing at many venues and had to move out of NYC". They certainly do have media power, don't they. I also think many of the silly and derogatory comments made about "themselves" from "supposed Irish" are possibly not from Irish at all. I can tell you many blogs are "censored. Imagine that in NYC in the US of A. Remember Ireland is the last occupied country in Europe. Their freedom fighters were referred to as "rebels". There are many who have profited by demeaning the Irish. I am really concerned about Bloomberg's remarks. Remember last year he wanted to shorten the parade. I don't think he should be allowed to march.

• Ray1Gordon | Feb 12, 2011, 01:28 PM EST

  Would Bloomberg think that jokes about arrogant, obnoxious Jews be equally as funny? I think not.

• kaydog1 | Feb 12, 2011, 01:02 PM EST

  Those posting here about Bloomberg as somehow "pro-Israeli" couldn't be further from the mark. Like Niall O'Dowd, Bloomberg is fully in the "pro-muzzie", pro-Palestinian camp - he's no friend of the Jews. Bloomberg is a tremendous proponent of the Ground-Zero murder mosque, has worked very hard to remove Christian aspects from NYC Govt (you can say 'Season's Greetings' or 'Happy Holidays', but not 'Merry Christmas' - mustn't OFFEND the muzzies), and his family business that made him a BILLIONAIRE, Bloomberg LP, is expanding greatly into the Islamic Middle East - but NOT into Israel. I suppose Michael Bloomberg is not really FOR anyone except his own personal profit and power - and I agree with poster MC NABB 1966 that Bloomberg would just love to be 'Mayor for Life'. The greatest mystery to me is precisely why New Yorkers (Jewish, Irish, etc) keep re-electing this man, even to the point of amending their election laws and then cascading into the streets in an outpouring of desire that he run AGAIN, in a scene eerily similar to the demonstrations in Cairo....no wait....that was the wholly-owned creatures of the city council that did all that...Still, at least he seems to have given up the idea of running for President. Shame, that's where the real money is - and since Bloomberg has incarnated himself in the past as a Republican, a Democrat, AND as an Independant, he could probably empty out his pocket change, and then purchase the candidacy in all three categories! After all, you can't really put a political label on money.

• yakimak | Feb 12, 2011, 11:42 AM EST

  I,m sure he meant more good than harm. Irish Americans might be better of worrying about how many Irish girls expecially those who immigrated to London in the 50's,60,s and early 70,s wound up in the middle eastren sex trade and were never heard of again. Once again Ireland is becoming a banshee country with its young exiting again on the world trade market now that economic ripples are felt again.

• tcenname | Feb 12, 2011, 09:12 AM EST

  Well it isn't that there isn't some truth in those remarks. A lot of people both Irish and non Irish are drunk on St. Patricks day I,m sure that he could not positively identify the ones in his memory as "hanging out windows totally inebriated" as being Irish could have been other groups. Anyway why is it that just about every liquor establishment in this country has a placard with a green shamrock in the windows. The identification with shamrock Irish and St. Patricks day is endemic.

• mairdemalone | Feb 11, 2011, 10:58 PM EST

  Mayor Bloomberg is wrong if he thinks he can make flippant, off the cuff comments about all Irish American drinkers being drunks. I wonder what he would say if an Irish American Leader stood on Wall Street and made flippant comments such as all Jewish American Bankers rip off depositors, or the tax paying Joe and Jane Public! He would not like it if all Jewish Bankers were lumped together. Well the same goes for Irish American drinkers! Not all of them are "drunks!" get inebriated!!!

• nicgearailt | Feb 11, 2011, 09:25 PM EST

  I cannot believe how stupid he was to say this...totally outrageous...we have allowed these kinds of remarks over the years...consequently we are fair game... if we continue to be ok with such remarks..they will continue ....it's up to us to say..not ok..never ok...how difficult can that be..come on your fine people of Ireland..

• hancock | Feb 11, 2011, 07:46 PM EST

  You worked for the "NYCPD", I am calling bullshit on that.

• gaillimh | Feb 11, 2011, 07:31 PM EST

  Here's one back bloomberg: stop supporting the terrorist state og israel in murdering women and children in Gaza

• bunkerhill | Feb 11, 2011, 02:45 PM EST

  I think Bloomberg opened a gate he will long regret. Anyone who has read David McCullough's book on President John Adams knows that tiny Ireland was the first country with the concept "All men are created equal." Irish Americans are among the most successful people in the US and President JFK opened the doors for Black Americans to have total citizenship. One thing an American knows is that you cannot make a derogatory comment against a Jew. You cannot say that American Jews have been caught smuggling in Ecstacy manufactured in Israel in their diamond tables, and ecstacy has destroyed so many young American lives. But Bloomberg has changed all of that. Ireland is that last occupied country in Europe and has a far greater claim to Northern Ireland than Israel has to Palestine. Why are we sending so much money to Israel every year when we have American homeless. Thank you Bloomberg. I don't know how you made so much money, as you do not seem that bright.

• Ulysses | Feb 11, 2011, 02:33 PM EST

  To Starlet: Unfortunately, there are some individuals, who can't be educated to see another point of view (pertaining to the Eruv). I worked for a number of years as a civilian employee of the NYCPD in the Detective Bureau. Most of the Detectives were Irish-Americans, and they were dedicated hard working civil servants. Unfortunately, there were a few who liked to harass me with ethnic slurs, such as imitating people with a Yiddush accent, or making other derogatory remarks. I tried to ignore their remarks until one day, one of them stated "Look what the Israeli Air Force did (this was around 1970), bombing civilians". I then mentioned to them about the violence which was occurring between Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants in Northern Ireland. I don't think that they liked to hear that, but I never heard anymore about the former remarks. However, one Detective told me "I'm glad that you are not Irish, because for a Jew, you're very stupid". Another one said to me "Why are you off on Christmas". Also, tThere was a Jewish Lieutenant desk officer, whom the cops couldn't stand because he was strictly by the book. The cops ganged up on him and filed a formal complaint. There is no doubt in my mind that if he was an Irish-American, they never would have filed a complaint. However, they couldn't stand to have a Jew correcting them. It should also be noted that in 1966, when Mayor Lindsay appointed Sanford Garelik as Chief Inspector, many of the old line brass in the NYCPD (who thought that Garelik shouldn't have gotten the job), resigned in protest.

• Starlet | Feb 11, 2011, 02:00 PM EST

  Kelly, it is not a game. Suggestion is ask a Rabbi and get to know Jews and Jewish culture. After all, you live on LI. Make some Jewish friends! I dare you!

• Starlet | Feb 11, 2011, 01:57 PM EST

  ETAIN don't call me or anyone else an 'anti-semite'. Common meaning is anti-Jewish. As to Kelly, the Hebrew term, Eruv wouldn't apply to you. With an Eruv, Jews would be allowed to carry books for instance on the Sabbath in a 'cut off area.' Every other area they can not carry on the Sabbath. It wouldn't apply to you as you can carry anything on the Jewish Sabbath. There is no need to feel left out. Why don't you actually ask a Rabbi rather than feel left out. Clearly, there is a lack of understanding of orthodox Jewish culture here.

• McNabb1966 | Feb 11, 2011, 10:25 AM EST

  "Normally when I walk by this building, there are a bunch of people that are totally inebriated hanging out the window waving," Bloomberg had said Wednesday to laughter and moans from the crowd, according to a transcript of the event provided by his office. He continued: "I know, that's a stereotype of the Irish, but nevertheless, we Jews from around the corner think this."

• maloney | Feb 11, 2011, 09:35 AM EST

  Marthaanna..you love the little punk because he likes your herd of illegal aliens you harbor.

• MarthaAnne | Feb 11, 2011, 09:33 AM EST

  Kellylongisland, Your comments are despicable and very hurtful to the Jews. OMG! Did you actually WRITE this? "Who was Shylock ? Mr. Bloomberg...you insult a culture? look at your culture. Shylock will always be." Talk about an ethnic slur! You take the cake!

• etain77 | Feb 11, 2011, 08:00 AM EST

  It seems from at least one post people still need to be educated on 'semitism' and 'anti-semitism'. This term semite refers to the language and culture of not only Jews, but also Arabs, Turks, Armenians, so get with the program, don't call me or anyone else an 'anti-semite'.

• McNabb1966 | Feb 11, 2011, 06:29 AM EST

  @bogsidebunny...The issue is not whether or not there is "truth" to the statement that some Irish people drink to excess but whether or not it's appropriate for the Mayor to endorse a stereotype. It's true, for instance, that there are Italians who belong to the Mafia...but would anyone encourage the Mayor of New York to make goofy Mafia-related jokes and comments to an Italian audience? It's true that there are a lot of fat people out there...but would that "truth" make it OK to tell fat jokes to a gathering of overweight people? There's a lot of unpleasant "truth" out there for everybody but that doesn't absolve the Mayor of poor taste, insensitivity and a clumsy sense of "humor." And he is rightly criticized for it.

• McNabb1966 | Feb 11, 2011, 06:10 AM EST

  @Morninghours...Read my post again. I called him a "limousine liberal" - not a Democrat. Because it's really immaterial what party he pretends to identify with at any given moment in time since he's clearly ONLY loyal to the "me, myself and I Bloomberg party." He is a textbook example of the limousine liberal.

• Morninghours | Feb 11, 2011, 02:27 AM EST

  McNabb1966 and jdi2269: The fact is that Bloomberg ran for mayor as a REPUBLICAN and later changed to an INDEPENDENT.

• bogsidebunny | Feb 11, 2011, 02:15 AM EST

  I don't like Bloomberg........BUT, the truth hurts and I have witnessed the carryon he describes. I see we have a few Oirish anti-semites on the list today. Oirish/anti-semite? What else is new?

• PolinDeB | Feb 11, 2011, 12:42 AM EST

  Obviously his advice on economic issues wasn't too good ;0

• kellylongisland | Feb 10, 2011, 11:54 PM EST

  Westhampton has always been an I Irish-Jewish place...wierd combo? now...they want to make it completetely Jewish Orthodox....by bringing in this this called the Eruv. The Jews want nobody but Jews...

• kellylongisland | Feb 10, 2011, 11:49 PM EST

  Hey mr. Bloomberg..I live in Westhampton...what do you want to say about the "ERUV"? Lets play this game....

• kellylongisland | Feb 10, 2011, 11:42 PM EST

  Who was Shylock ? Mr. Bloomberg...you insult a culture? look at your culture. Shylock will always be

• MarthaAnne | Feb 10, 2011, 10:59 PM EST

  Being of Irish ancestry, here is my response: Listen, my Irish immigrant friend, who is the only member of his family to have left Ireland (he has been here for 45 years and goes home very frequently), told me, when he did a vacation tour of Ireland, "the drinking is rampant in Ireland". Now, he married an Irishwoman and loves his country (which he left close to age 30, only, and for economic reasons) and HE said that. Here in the U.S., where I used to live (Dorchester, a part of Boston, very Irish), I have to report, as much as I would like not to, that when we had a string of pubs down Dorchester Ave, if you came by at, say, 1 AM, especially on a Saturday, you'd see drunk young men coming out of the pub, hardly able to walk. One day one man was seen lying down in the middle of the block. Maybe Mayor Bloomberg saw something that the Irish and Irish Americans don't want to hear. Maybe they weren't exactly "hanging out of the windows drunk", but, for heaven's sake, he has never shown prejudice that I have heard, and maybe he is just saying that he observes a lot of Irish people drinking an awful lot. On the other hand, I have a lot of brothers and my brothers and my father did not drink heavily at all. But I think that the Mayor knows that not all Irish are drunks. I do admit that it was not at all appropriate for the Mayor to speak of inebriated people when he is doing a formal address to such people as the Consul General of Ireland!!! That was so inappropriate and hurtful.

• SCVMal | Feb 10, 2011, 10:17 PM EST

  BTW, jdi2249 is also inebriated to classify "all democrats like she does. BTW, I thought it was 2 4 69? I told you she was inebriated!

• SCVMal | Feb 10, 2011, 10:13 PM EST

  He's a bloody stupid arse and his invite to march should be rescinded - permanently! If proud Irish men and women who happen to be gay can be banned, this Irish vote magnet painted green for an hour MUST me excluded as well!

• norinalundy | Feb 10, 2011, 10:08 PM EST

  Michael Bloomberg is an idiot that is not in touch with the common man, or anyone other than his money-hungry lot. If he were, then he would see that his ridiculous statement is just that, a ridiculous statement. Who is hanging out the window totally inebriated? The scholars of the Irish Historical Society? First I thought he was just out of touch with the common people, now I know he is out of touch with everyone.

• McNabb1966 | Feb 10, 2011, 09:47 PM EST

  Newsflash, people: Limousine liberals are NOT your friends. Apparently Mayor Billionaire isn't planning on running again (although I'm sure he would endorse any plan to appoint him "mayor for life"). So all his fake "outreach" to the Irish of New York City is no longer necessary. Now you're getting the real Bloomie. Naturally there will always be a few wingnuts like belcarra who will happily seize on statements like Bloomberg's to justify their own bigotry.

• Starlet | Feb 10, 2011, 09:20 PM EST

  "Consider the source........a lieberal jewish politician, (pardon the redundancy), who changes parties to enhance his chances of winning,..." YES, Hogan, because he wants to win he would have to be very careful about making a remark that could possibly upset a percentage of his contitution. Personally, having lived in several countries and travelled to more, Irish are known for their drinking. It is not meant as an offence. Remember, they are also known for their wit and other qualities. I am sure that Bloomberg is concerned with violence that goes hand in hand with the drinking. He wouldn't want to offend you.

• nanaben7 | Feb 10, 2011, 08:19 PM EST

  HE'S A COMPLETE A**. JUST ONE MORE STUPID AND BIASED REMARK AFTER ANOTHER.

• jamieLM | Feb 10, 2011, 06:48 PM EST

  There is a certain percentage of people in every ethnic group that make the rest look bad because of their disgusting behavior. Stereotypes are based on this group of idiots who can't control themselves. The truth is that some Irish people have fueled the "drunken Irish" stereotype over the years. Bloomberg's comments were insensitive and not "politically correct." If he'd said something derrogatory about the Muslims, all hell would've broken loose.

• jdi2269 | Feb 10, 2011, 06:30 PM EST

  WOULDN'T EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE FROM A DEMOCRAT!

• ciarrai | Feb 10, 2011, 06:28 PM EST

  Was he inebriated? If I were worth $16 billion, I wouldn't give a damn and I might come out with whatever I wanted to. However, let's not get crazy. Lots of people use St. Patrick's Day as an excuse to get hammered. You know it, I know it, we all know it. Which reminds me: Pat and Mike were old friends. Pat was in ill health and he asked his old friend Mike if, when he dies, could he pour a bottle of Jameson over his grave. "I can a'course, but would you mind if I passed it through me kidneys first?"

• packfan88 | Feb 10, 2011, 06:12 PM EST

  Get over yourself. It was a joke that some found funny. Who are to try and speak for the entire community? Some found it to not be funny. Who are you to speak for the entire community? Dont you get it that no matter what is said some will take offense and some wont? As far as us liking to drink alcohol, is it not true? Sure some dont, but you like to speak for the people...so do I !!! Now drink up ! Ever hear an Anglophobia joke? Im sure you laughed. Lighten up Francis !

• butlerreport | Feb 10, 2011, 05:55 PM EST

  So what? We had a drunk Prime Minister Cowen who was recorded in the Wall Street Journal after his radio interview fiasco. In case you hadn't noticed the only thing we Irish are known for around the world is our drinking.

• CaptainTom | Feb 10, 2011, 05:40 PM EST

  In spite of his fame and wealth he is just jealous of those who are Irish and rightfully so.

• lookbackkid | Feb 10, 2011, 04:57 PM EST

  His attitude has been extremely brash ever since somehow the vote of the people to just two terms as mayor, known as term limits was over ruled. If anything mark it up to being disrespectful and as some call it rude.

• antoman | Feb 10, 2011, 04:13 PM EST

  "Put his foot in his mouth"..LOL!

• 5454pawz | Feb 10, 2011, 04:11 PM EST

  Just ban this matzoh-balled arse from the parade.

• Helen Ferone | Feb 10, 2011, 04:04 PM EST

  Who said they were Irish?

• cappamore | Feb 10, 2011, 03:37 PM EST

  He must have been on something. No sane person would say such a thing in front of that audience

• BARNEYKX | Feb 10, 2011, 03:24 PM EST

  Where dos the mayor hang out then

• mocmanic | Feb 10, 2011, 03:22 PM EST

  Disgraceful and idiotic. You'd like to think we've moved beyond such thoughtless stereotype drivel. Bloomberg ought to be ashamed and, at the very least, provide a public apology.

• ladyjane | Feb 10, 2011, 02:38 PM EST

  Sounds to me that Bloomberg has a few problems of his own.

• belcarra | Feb 10, 2011, 02:09 PM EST

  All black people do look alike

• McNally | Feb 10, 2011, 01:53 PM EST

  What an arse!

• heaven1965 | Feb 10, 2011, 01:49 PM EST

  Bloomberg like most people needs to think before they speak. My family came from Ireland, my grandfather came from Ireland and I don't know of any DRUNKS in the family. Saying all Irish are drunks is like saying all black people all look alike, it's just NOT TRUE! People think before you speak.

• hancock | Feb 10, 2011, 01:32 PM EST

  What a dick.

• seabeetom | Feb 10, 2011, 01:30 PM EST

  Yet the people of New York keep electing these MORONS. VOTE SMART.

• cillowen | Feb 10, 2011, 01:23 PM EST

  Bloomie and his ilk can do with us as they will. They, after all have a direct line to their G-d.. Their reject we glommed onto. Did you not see how they got Obama twisted into a pretzel about the freedom seekers of Egypt. They want dictator Mubarak to reign for ever - in fact one of em hoped that there be a pill to render this brute ageless and in command forever - or when they decide he being no longer useful.

• PhlutiePhan | Feb 10, 2011, 01:19 PM EST

  There is no doubt that this was an effort at a "tongue in cheek" comment. I would say that he "put his foot in his mouth".

• borefield | Feb 10, 2011, 01:19 PM EST

  Stereotypes do not die easily. Imagan if he said something the same about the Hispanic Day Parade, the Brazilan parade or the various ethnic pride parades YES,all of the ethnic groups DRINK and worse, mostly they are high on drugs.The anger would be harsh and swift, all calling for his resignation. He should apologise and be politely asked no to march in the Parade. We have enough hypocrites marching as it is, one more wont be missed.

• AOHBard | Feb 10, 2011, 01:13 PM EST

  What short memories we have. It wasn't too long ago that a great talent like Ronan Tynan was literally ostracized by New York for his joking comment about a Jewish lady; what are we going to do about Mayor Shorty and his bigoted blathering? What's that? Did I hear you say "Nothing"? . . . Mike McCormack

• belcarra | Feb 10, 2011, 01:09 PM EST

  What is wrong with you people,the Irish are a bunch of drunks, The reason they cancelled the south side parade in Chicago was because of all the drunks.. When you think of Ireland the only thing it has to offer are it's pubs..The truth hurts,,

• garyirish | Feb 10, 2011, 01:09 PM EST

  Sounds to me like the Mayor might have had a little hair of the dog that bit him, himself. Maybe we can spread a new stereotype that billionaire mayors can't hold their liquor. Reminds me of an old story about the Queen Mother and her daughter Queen Elizabeth. The Queen Mother liked her drink but Queen Elizabeth rarely drinks. They were both together at a function one day and the Queen Mother saw Elizabeth take a sip of wine. The Queen Mother promptly whispered into Elizabeth's ear "Careful dear, you have a long afternoon of reining".

• rockerandcounter | Feb 10, 2011, 12:52 PM EST

  Unfortunate but not surprising. Stereotypes die hard. At least the Irish are as well known for their sense of humor which is not a characteristic of other groups faced with this kind of cheap shot.

• John G. Hogan | Feb 10, 2011, 12:34 PM EST

  Consider the source........a lieberal jewish politician, (pardon the redundancy), who changes parties to enhance his chances of winning, gets the term limit law changed so he can run a third time, and then goes out and buys another election.

• anneduffy11 | Feb 10, 2011, 12:11 PM EST

  Mr. Bloomberg may be starting to get alzheimer's or else his czar like rule is going to his head. The people of New York were very foolish to relelect him for the third term.

• Woodkern | Feb 10, 2011, 12:11 PM EST

  Oh, for God's sake, get over yourselves!

• pacifist | Feb 10, 2011, 12:07 PM EST

  I've just googled the internet and I found information to confirm that the Irish drink to excess and are rated as the biggest binge drinkers in the EU. That is a fact! And not only do they drink to excess on Patrick's Day, but also do so at Easter and Xmas - and in larger numbers.I can say that with honesty - been there, done that. Just because it is pointed out to us by somebody who is not Irish is no excuse for taking the huff! it's time we grew up and accepted the unpleasant truth.

• kevrltr | Feb 10, 2011, 12:03 PM EST

  Lighten up people. It was an attempt at a really bad joke. He is a good mayor. Not everyone can be as witty as the Irish

• fusciacork | Feb 10, 2011, 11:55 AM EST

  His choice of words were unfortunate...but why do we have a problem with the truth also

• jb66ss396 | Feb 10, 2011, 11:45 AM EST

  I will be sure to "boo" this phony at the parade this year.

• jb66ss396 | Feb 10, 2011, 11:44 AM EST

  He should be sympathetic to the Irish and their English battered history of Irish slave trading, starvation, theft of land and property and murder as the Irish holocaust was much worse and lasted much longer than the Jewish holocaust.

• jdi2269 | Feb 10, 2011, 11:36 AM EST

  BLOOMBERG IS EITHER AN IDIOT OR ON DRUGS! YOU CHOOSE!

• Countyred | Feb 10, 2011, 11:29 AM EST

  Mr. Bloomberg is only mayor again because he was the best mayor money could buy! Scary but true. was always fully supportive of term limits imposed on those who held public office, until he was the one about to become redundant, then he changed his tune. He is a man of little substance, self aggrandizing and untyrustworthy. His opinion is not worth one blade of grass. I plan tp write to Ms. Higgins Clark to advise her a) that she shouold more wisely choose her companions and 2) iwill no longer purchase anything written by her or her daughter until she disavows any conection with this little man with the Napoleanic complex.

• OldMariner | Feb 10, 2011, 11:28 AM EST

  I'm haven't been a New Yorker for about 45 years, but allow me my two cents: What the hell do you expect from a liberal politician my fellow Irish-Americans? We have been dismissed by most libs since our mostly catholic and conservative sub-culture is at odds with theirs.

• OlohanZwissler | Feb 10, 2011, 11:24 AM EST

  Wish that all you fairminded people who have taken the time to comment would take the time to write Letters To the Editor and every publication and restate your comments. Send "Bloomin' Idiot Bloomberg" the message that he is responsible for his racist comments and that you intend to hold him accountable. Let him know that all votes can't be bought! Remind him that those responsible for the greatest disaster to the american economy and that of other nations were/are operating in his district-Wall Street. Too bad his vision is soooooooooo limited!

• arialgirl | Feb 10, 2011, 11:07 AM EST

  Bloomberg is a racist bigot who should go back to Boston. It is a disgrace that he bought his way into a 3rd illegal term.

• Rhiannon1109 | Feb 10, 2011, 11:04 AM EST

  Very sad. Mayor Bloomberg needs to concentrate on what is wrong with our government and the inept folks who are running it. Quit taxing us to death and telling us how to live. I believe most Americans are smarter than those in power!!

• RobinOCork | Feb 10, 2011, 11:01 AM EST

  This isn't the first time Bloomberg has slyly slurred some group or religion where he knew media would distribute his remarks on the worldwide web! Let him give us all a lesson: Money doesn't equal brains.

• sallyorob | Feb 10, 2011, 10:56 AM EST

  Bloomberg is an ass and I don't care how many times he's been to Ireland.

• OlohanZwissler | Feb 10, 2011, 10:55 AM EST

  Shame on the Mayor for his biased, limited view of the Irish and their great contribution to New York and the rest of the world. Hopefully, the Irish and the Jewish Community who know their history wull remember his BIGOTRY when he runs for re-election. Think of him as "Blooming Idiot Bloomberg" and your intellect won't let you vote for him. Go Irish!

• mayoman | Feb 10, 2011, 10:54 AM EST

  Apparently Mayor Bloomberg doesn't feel that political correctness should include the Irish. If he feels comfortable making a statement like this in public, imagine what he has to say about us in private.

• srdools | Feb 10, 2011, 10:50 AM EST

  Bloomberg should be hung out of a window.

• snakehips | Feb 10, 2011, 10:49 AM EST

  My Dear Fellow Commentators, The Irish are no worse or any better than most ethnic groups as respects alcohol abuse. Read Andrew Greeley's sociological work "Irish Americans". Additionally, 1 in 4 Americans suffer with some sort of substance abuse issue. I see people inebrited, killed and/or injured on New Year's Eve, Super Bowl Sunday and at every wedding I have attended for the last 35 years. I have seen non-Irish families destroyed by substance abuse.So, attributing alcohol abuse solely to the Irish is pure bigotry. So, to some of you self-hating Irish: grow up!

• dermot.r | Feb 10, 2011, 10:47 AM EST

  Mr. Mayor - Please! You know better than that.

• dermot.r | Feb 10, 2011, 10:42 AM EST

  The Emperor BOOBERG strikes again! I have marched in the Parade since my Da took me at the age of 3. The Irish Historical Society represents all that is good and right with the Irish. I have never once seen drunkards hanging off that beautiful Georgian building. Most of the drunks are teenagers from the suburbs who drink once a year and think it is a privilege and an obligation to make asses out of themselves. And many are not even Irish-could not find Ireland on a map with the great education system the Emperor has running in the public schools! Thank God he cannot be elected again or maybe he can, after all, he changed the term-limit rules once-that's why he is the Emperor!

• CitizenWhy | Feb 10, 2011, 10:36 AM EST

  My parents from Ireland attended the St. Patrick's Day Parade once. That was it. They found the drinking off putting. We had a lovely gathering on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Drink of course, no one inebriated or obnoxious. Some guests even spoke Gaelic. But Easter Monday was a far more significant commemoration for my parents.

• lyoness555 | Feb 10, 2011, 10:36 AM EST

  WTF !!!what is wrong with this man? OK, I am Irish and I never drink at all except for coffee , I dont like drinking Bloomberg is a racist. I am not saying Irish dont drink but I do not and I dont have any Irish friends or relatives who drink either - who are all these Irish drunk people he speaks of? There are hardly any Irish left in NYC anymore - perhaps he thinks they are Irish but they are Russian or German or Jews!? How rude .

• snakehips | Feb 10, 2011, 10:32 AM EST

  Maybe Bloomberg was inebriated. God forbid an Irish-American stated a diparaging remark about Jewish Americans, there would be more than a few random boos, I'm sure. Unfortunately, we who were raised in the New York Metro area find it difficult to shed the ethnic bias that we have for the myriad groups that live besides us. What a shame!

• CitizenWhy | Feb 10, 2011, 10:30 AM EST

  Perhaps the good mayor was inebriated, or on some drug.

• dennisc | Feb 10, 2011, 10:25 AM EST

  The mayor was counting on most Irishmen not knowing what what the word inebriated means! So, give him a little slack. I think he was trying to be a bit gentle in his comments as to what he saw. Besides if he lived there as a kid, it was probably a scary think to see a bunch of drunks/inebriated folks hanging out the windows on St Pat's day. Also, they were all Irish since it was St Pat's day. I think it is sad that no one at the time asked him to join the party. If they had, his comment might have been very different.

• chriswalsh | Feb 10, 2011, 10:19 AM EST

  I am also, insulted by this remark, I am 100% Irish and have never in my life been drunk I also, have a lot of Irish friends and the same goes for them, here in Chicago, black, white, yellow, and every color under the rainbow celebrate on St. Patrick's day some are obnoxious but they are not all Irish, if he came out and said all those drug using black people or pims or all the illegal hispanics, or some negative jewish remark everyone would call for his resignation. He should not be allowed to make a remark like that he is talking about me and my friends when he mentions the irish and I resent it.

• paddypower | Feb 10, 2011, 10:14 AM EST

  "He has been a frequent visitor to Ireland and has advised on economic issues there." OK makes perfect sense really considering the whole Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sucks makeover that turned the so-called Celtic Tiger into a flea ridden Celtic hyena. Sounds to me like the Bloom was wasted on scotch or drugs.

• paddypower | Feb 10, 2011, 10:11 AM EST

  Jeez I aint been pissed now for at least 2 days but this chosen racer supremacist xiodon has been a chosen racer supremacist dick for all his life. For that sad condition there is indeed no known cure!

• etain77 | Feb 10, 2011, 10:10 AM EST

  He's telling us something - I agree with Ray1Gordon about the j people, they are ignorant and obnoxious and I would they get away with saying anything they please - they are permanent 'victims'. Remember he is one of them! Pity the fools who fall for their simultaneous condescension and whining.

• doppdls | Feb 10, 2011, 10:09 AM EST

  He is an old man. Maybe he is suffering from early stages of Alzheimer's. Only explanation I can think of to explain statements so demeaning and unlike him.

• ShamrockShore | Feb 10, 2011, 10:06 AM EST

  Hey everyone, Lighten up. It was his attempt at empathy or perhaps he lingered too long in the hospitality room. I know lots of non-immigrant Irish that enjoy a good session on St Patrick's Day. Can't wait. Wohoooo!

• Annetherese | Feb 10, 2011, 10:04 AM EST

  I think that many people would say that Bloomberg, being in public office especially, should not make statements like that. Maybe it it true that the Irish do drink a bit too much on St. Patrick's Day, but I don't believe anyone should openly say something like that. I believe that one should try not to make comments like that. This is what causes people to feel bad about their heritage. I won't take more than one wine for a special occasion and I'm Irish Catholic. I certainly have heard more than enough derogatory comments in my lifetime about the Irish, and I won't listen to anyone who keeps making statements like this.

• Annetherese | Feb 10, 2011, 10:03 AM EST

  HE is an ass... he took over from Giuliani and thinks he is the reason for New York's recent success.... Giuliani's crime initiatives are the major reason for corporations and people to return to NYC. We have a MAJOR problem in the U.S. with billionaire and millionaire Egotists that aspire to be in top political positions. What does a billionaire like Bloomberg know about the hardships of common Americans or New Yorkers? Lower your trans-fats fatties! Come on... He has made many insulting comments recently not just towards the Irish

• Searlit | Feb 10, 2011, 09:57 AM EST

  Here, in the USA on St. Patrick's Day, it has become the tradition that everyone is Irish. Some people that I know, who didn't have a drop Irish blood in their veins were the worst offenders when it came being rowdy, drunk and obnoxious. They looked forward to this Holiday with great glee that another ethnic group would be the foil for their irresponsible behavior. I even thought they were Irish,(so inbedded is this stereotype), until their conscience made them admit to me that they weren't. It's a bad joke, alright. If it were any other group, cries of discrimination and lawsuits would ensue. Although, you really can't blame anyone for wanting to be Irish. :)

• mmccreedy | Feb 10, 2011, 09:38 AM EST

  So, we Irish Americans have "polluted" blood eh? Sounds like someone that would vote for that PC twit Bloomberg. I will keep that in mind next time there is a need for donations of food or money for the next international disaster, as I am sure they would not want anything from someone with "polluted" blood. Moron.

• Magicdusa | Feb 10, 2011, 09:37 AM EST

  Bloomberg is a phony!

• mpkeaveny | Feb 10, 2011, 09:37 AM EST

  I have an novel idea,don't vote for him in the future.

• pugsyryan | Feb 10, 2011, 09:32 AM EST

  when are we irish going to be comfortable with and accept our history? yes, today in the u.s. the irish have the highest percentage of graduate-level education of any ethnic group; yes,today the young university graduates in Ireland are very highly educated and qualified for both technological and liberal arts jobs, and we should be proud of our literary heritage and all accomplishments, especially in the U.S. BUT for whatever reason, on st. patrick's day, a certain number of people, (maybe not all are irish) do consume too much alcohol, and exhibit obnoxious behaviour. that said, i find it astonishing that mayor bloomberg chose to focus that aspect of the irish experience in his speech.

• mcginleynj | Feb 10, 2011, 09:32 AM EST

  Mayor Bloomberg should use a little more sensitivty. He sure would if addressing other ethnic groups. Highly doubt they all were "Irish."

• BarbaraB | Feb 10, 2011, 09:30 AM EST

  This disgraceful comment by the mayor shows not only poor taste but a complete lack of class.

• pacifist | Feb 10, 2011, 09:30 AM EST

  Did Mayor Bloomberg say something that wasn't true? I doubt it, but he should have balanced it with a positive view. But the truth is that far too many of the Irish past and present have and do use March 17th as an excuse to drink to excess - not just in New York, but everywhere. I've done it myself, seen in my father's pub - now my brother's - here in Ireland year after year after year. And, Ray1Gordon, arrogant, obnoxious Jews? Do you include Jesus Christ and His disciples, later apostles in that generalization? During the bogus economic miracle, the Celtic Tiger era, my arrogant, obnoxious fellow Irish men and woman were falling over one another and their egos because of their temporary sudden wealth. But suddenly it was snatched away from them and that arrogant and obnoxious attitude disappeared. All races, including us Irish regretablly, have such people in their midst and it is not exclusive to any one race. As the Bible say, " Pride goes before a fall and a haughty spirit before destruction ".

• AengusOg | Feb 10, 2011, 09:28 AM EST

  The mayor is out of touch and riding the subway is a PC sham. We Irish know a bad joke when we hear one (or see one) so let's give the little bugger a break.

• catherinedineen | Feb 10, 2011, 09:26 AM EST

  I think it was a disgraceful remark and I hope that all the Irish and IrishAmericans remember this when ever Bloomberg should run again for any office. We should definately not forget.

• rugbyplayer | Feb 10, 2011, 09:23 AM EST

  The good mayor probably was making a joke but all ethnic or religious groups suspect remarks made by any person outside the tribe.

• diannerae | Feb 10, 2011, 09:22 AM EST

  How did he know they were Irish? All the statistics I have read say that the Irish have a low alcoholism rate. Irish Anericans have a high rate, maybe because they have polutted blood and aren't pure Irish.

• Ray1Gordon | Feb 10, 2011, 09:12 AM EST

  I wonder what Bloomberg thinks about the arrogant, obnoxious Jews? Oh, that's right. That subject is off limits.

• Renfield | Feb 10, 2011, 08:55 AM EST

  The Irish are not an officially designated "victim" group in the United States, so Bloomberg let his guard down. Still, it's hard to believe a New York City mayor would spout anything but fulsome praise for any ethnic group.