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Christina Finn reports from New York:
SINN FÉIN LEADER Mary Lou McDonald has called out a comedy sketch on the US show Saturday Night Live, stating that casual references to the “drunken Irish” are wrong.
Impressions of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson portrayed the Irish accent as incomprehensible and played up Irish peoples’ reputation for drinking.
The latter was considered particularly distasteful by some critics as Colin Farrell has spoken publicly about his sobriety.
There were also a couple of Irish jokes built into the Oscars ceremony itself last night, referencing the Irish getting involved in fights.
Speaking to The Journal in New York this evening, the Sinn Féin leader said:
“I think any kind of stereotyping that casts people in a negative way is unhelpful and unfortunate. I really don’t like the kind of casual references to the ‘drunken Irish’. I think it’s overplayed. I think it’s wrong.”
She said she would just ask anyone that is going to use that stereotype “just to consider that before saying it”.
Stereotyping “causes hurt, it causes annoyance as well”, she added.
“I’ve no doubt that lots of people threw their eyes to heaven when they saw that on SNL and said, ‘is that the best, really lads, that you can come up with’”, said McDonald.
The Sinn Féin president went on to give her congratulations to the Oscar winners who took home two awards for Ireland.
When asked if Americans have a hackneyed view of Ireland, McDonald said she didn’t think so.
“I think there can be stereotypes of Irish-Americans and what Americans think of Ireland,” she said.
She said there’s huge bonds of friendship between America and Ireland, adding that she believes the relationship is strong, healthy and very productive.
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Very sad a huge loss RIP
An incredible broadcaster and a huge loss.
Always felt like you were on a couch in the studio listening to her and the guests
oh no RIP, hard to believe. Thanks Marian
Totally shocked and devastated. I have followed MarIan Finucane since 1979. I looked forward to her radio shows on Saturday and Sunday and made sure to tune in when l was away. Rest in Peace Marian you will be missed so so much.
@Orla Cosgrave: l will always remember ” Hello there” l used to say it every Saturday and Sunday just before Marian started. I am devastated and so so sad at the loss of this amazing broadcaster.
Loved when she would say “Hang on the bell a minute”. Never afraid to stop someone in their tracks. A fantastic, personable interviewer who let her guests talk so we could listen. With herself and Gay gone there is no one left who cold hold a candle to them as well read broadcasters.
One of the best, no doubt. Gone before her time.
“On Saturdays and Sundays from 1999 she spoke to people who ran Ireland ” no offence but the woman only started her weekend show in 2005. The article is an ill fitting piece of journalism. Nothing personal but 1)do your job right and 2) see point 1. Facts are sacred. The woman was a national treasure she deserves more than lazy journalism. RIP Marian.
@SF Knee Knockers: have some respect will you. R.i.p to a broadcasting legend.
Far too young
Extremely sharp , Mariam’s Quick witted ,Dry humored input was amazing..How the mighty could fall with her simple layman’s description of her Take ( mainly the listeners point of veiw too) on a subject …May She Rest In Peace ..
She will be missed. She was never afraid to put the boot in and ask the hard questions when needed
Rip,,,,cue another RTÉ late late special
@Martin Smith: ah seriously Martin neither clever or witty . Tonight not the night to get valuable likes cause u dont like rte . Have a bit of pride good man
@Karl C: I did…then I criticised the Journal.
@SF Knee Knockers: ah will u cop on ffs
@SF Knee Knockers: knob head
She will be missed..RIP
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