Proudly Irish American, New York City Council speaker, Christine Quinn has been named as one of the grand marshals of the Brooklyn West Indian Day Parade.

Speaking to WCBS 880’s Rich Lamb she explained that she will be marshall “along with two other significant individuals. One of them is Harry Belafonte. So, I’m very excited about it.”

“It’s always a fun day. It’s always a great parade, but it feels like a huge honor.

“But it’s really an honor for the whole Council because I think it speaks to the work the Council has done to try to support the Caribbean-American community, the West Indian Community, and the work we’ve done in Brooklyn and that’s something I’m very proud of.

“So, I’m very grateful.”

Sadly for years Christine Quinn has demonstrated her contempt for the discrimination of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in New York, who do not allow the gay community to be represented in their celebrations.

Quinn, who married her long term partner, Kim Catullo, earlier this year instead opts to march in the Queen’s St Patrick’s Day Parade instead. She even marched in the Dublin parade in 2007.

The Brooklyn West Indian Day Parade is known for its lively atmosphere complete with floats and dancers. The parade takes place on 1st September.