The chaplain to the New York St Patrick's Day parade has confirmed that he has resigned from the parade's organising committee in protest at the selection of Mr Albert Reynolds as this year's grand marshal.
Mgr Tom Leonard told The Irish Times yesterday that his objections centred on the recent participation by Mr Reynolds in an event organised by the Unification Church - known as the "Moonies" - as well as Fianna Fail's attitude to abortion and the fact that Mr Reynolds was not an Irish-American.
"His own party wouldn't put him up for President", said the monsignor. "I don't think he represents what Irish-Americans are about. He can lead the parade in Roscommon or in Longford if he wants."
Mgr Leonard maintained that he was voicing the views of many other Irish-Americans, who objected both to the manner of the selection of Mr Reynolds and to some of his recent actions.
"Albert Reynolds gave a major address at Sun Myung Moon's marriage marathon, and that was a travesty", according to Mgr Leonard. Several prominent Americans had backed out of participating in that event, he said, but Mr Reynolds had not.
He also objected to Fianna Fail's stance on abortion, saying that it had "failed to make any comment" on the issue during recent controversies.
"I object to his selection. The by-laws of the New York County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians state that the grand marshal must be from New York and an Irish-American", Mgr Leonard said. Mr Reynolds fulfilled neither criterion.
He maintained that the selection had been made by just two people rather than by the parade committee. Mr Reynolds had joined the Ancient Order of Hibernians just a week before being selected as grand marshal.
Mr Reynolds last night said he had nothing to say in response to Mgr Leonard's comments. "He should say it to the organisers. They made the selection", he said. "But I'm sure the parade won't stop because of what he has to say."
Mr Reynolds has previously defended his participation in the Unification Church event, saying that prominent figures such as the late Mother Teresa, the former US president, Mr George Bush, and the former British prime minister, Mr Edward Heath, had attended such functions. He has also said that he is strongly anti-abortion.