Conor McGinn MP Member of Parliament for St Helens North
“I’m also keen to promote the modern-day links we have in trade and commerce, with Irish businesses investing here in St Helens and the wider North West and real opportunities for us to grow the relationship through the new Irish Consulate in Manchester.”
Martin Bond, cabinet member for finance and governance and trustee of the Liverpool Irish Festival, added: “Like Conor, I’m proud of our links to Ireland here in St Helens.
“St Patrick’s day has always been a day for communal celebration. That isn’t possible this year and the Global Greening campaign focuses a celebration of Irishness in a different but compelling way.
“With the Liverpool Irish Festival’s coordination, we are joining Knowsley, Liverpool and Wirral with some of our prominent buildings and bridges going emerald. All over the world the Irish diaspora is doing the same.”
Meanwhile, Mike Denning, chairman of the Steve Prescott Foundation, added: “Steve would have been delighted to support the lighting up of the Steve Prescott Bridge to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
“Steve was proud to play for the country of his ancestors and had great memories of his time on international duty and in particular the 2000 World Cup.
“The Irish Community has been a strong part of the St Helens population for many years seeing many immigrants from the Emerald isle settling in the area and contributing to the local economy.”