I also didn’t expect it to get political, but between a group at Trump Tower, multiple signs calling for England to get out of Ireland, and a few fliers criticizing the police union president, it could get a little tense.
Gabbi Shaw/Insider
Outside Trump Tower’s Fifth Avenue entrance, there was a crowd of supporters waving flags and banners with “Trump 2024” on them. I could sense a bit of unease around the supporters, as they were yelling loudly at both paradegoers and marchers, but nothing ever came of it.
There were also multiple signs with the phrase “England Get Out of Ireland,” which, according to Irish Central, is the only political sign allowed in the parade proper. I hadn’t realized that it’s been part of the parade for decades.
Also posted throughout the parade were fliers criticizing Patrick Lynch, the police-union president and an aide to the Parade Grand Marshal. Fliers said he should not be involved in the event.
The union, Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, did not respond to Insider’s request for comment. Neither did the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Organization.
