Lord Mayor says he’s worried for America

Today is Independence Day in the States and the Lord Mayor of Cork, who was born in the US, has said he is “worried for America” and its democracy.

Green Party Cllr Dan Boyle, who was appointed Lord Mayor of Cork last month, said although he was born in America, he now looks on the US as an outside observer.

As a somewhat familiar two-horse race for the US presidency rages on ahead of November’s election, he said he feels the current threat to US democracy could “spill over” and create threats for many other democracies.

“On the day it celebrates its independence and its democratic values, it is a time when the very quality of its democracy is at risk,” said the lord mayor.

“On 4 July I will celebrate the founding principles of the country and hope that the country changes the direction it seems to be going,” he added.

Mr Boyle, a resident of Turner’s Cross, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to emigrant Irish parents. He has lived in Cork since he was eight years old.

“My being born in the US is an obvious part of my history, and will always be a part of who I am. Over 50 years of my life has been lived in Ireland. Irish is who I am, and what my family has always been.

!I look now on the US very much as an outside observer. There is much to admire on the effect its culture has had and continues to have on the rest of the world,” he added.

Independence Day, known in the US as Fourth of July, marks the date in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was passed by the Continental Congress, thus rejecting British rule and forming the United States of America.

For those looking to celebrate Independence Day on Leeside, the Woolshed Baa & Grill on Sheares Street will be hosting a special barbeque for the occasion. Also taking part in celebrations is An Brog on Oliver Plunkett Street who will be hosting ‘the ultimate American party experience’ this evening, with beer pong and American style XL hot dogs on offer.