Burton to snub New York parade over LGBT ban
The Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has confirmed that she would turn down an invitation to take part in New York's St Patrick's Day parade.
The event has been mired in controversy in recent weeks after the city's new mayor Bill De Blasio said he was boycotting the parade over its ban on gay and lesbian groups.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he will be taking part in the festivities.
However Minister Joan Burton, who is also due to travel to New York, says she has made it clear that she won't take part until the ban is lifted.
She said: "When I was there, I also met the gay groups and I advised the Tánaiste that if I went to New York, unless that progress was forthcoming, I wouldn't be going."
