New York Mayor's Indifference to Irish Question Signals Changing Times

Zohran Mamdani's comments on a united Ireland reflect the decline of the old Irish-American political machine in NYC

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:34am

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When asked about a united Ireland, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani admitted he 'hadn't thought enough on that question,' reciting a set of platitudes. This contrasted with his attendance at an Irish-American labor coalition event, where he schmoozed with Sinn Féin politicians. Mamdani's indifference signals the passing of two worlds: old New York and old Ireland.

Why it matters

Mamdani's comments reflect the changing demographics and political landscape of New York City, where the once-dominant Irish-American political machine has declined. This shift mirrors the changing nature of the Irish national struggle, which has evolved since the Good Friday Agreement.

The details

The article notes that Mamdani's comments stand in contrast to past mayors like Ed Koch and David Dinkins, who were more engaged with the Irish republican cause. The decline of the Irish-American political machine in NYC is attributed to long-term trends like white flight, immigration changes, and the shift of Irish and Italian residents from their traditional neighborhoods to become 'perfectly ordinary, middle-class professionals.' The article also discusses the evolution of the Irish national struggle, with the Good Friday Agreement leading to the disarmament of the Provisional IRA and the Republic of Ireland dropping its claim to Northern Ireland.

  • In 2018, Congressman Joe Crowley lost his seat to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a race that was seen as a 'trial run' for Mamdani's victory over Cuomo.
  • The Good Friday Agreement was reached almost 30 years ago, leading to the disarmament of the Provisional IRA and the Republic of Ireland dropping its claim to Northern Ireland.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who recently made comments about a united Ireland that contrasted with his attendance at an Irish-American labor coalition event.

Ed Koch

A former mayor of New York City who was more engaged with the Irish republican cause.

David Dinkins

A former mayor of New York City who lobbied for Irish republican prisoners.

Gerry Adams

The former leader of Sinn Féin who agreed to the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, including the disarmament of the Provisional IRA and the Republic of Ireland dropping its claim to Northern Ireland.

Joe Crowley

A former Congressman who lost his seat to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018, a race seen as a 'trial run' for Mamdani's victory over Cuomo.

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What they’re saying

“There used to be 20 Irish pubs all up and down this neighborhood and I could campaign by just visiting each one on St. Patrick's Day, now there's only one.”

— Congressman Joe Crowley

“Is this the sound a dying political machine makes?”

— Ross Barkan, Democratic Socialists of America member

What’s next

The article does not mention any clear next steps related to the story.

The takeaway

Mamdani's indifference to the Irish question reflects the broader decline of the old Irish-American political machine in New York City, mirroring the changing demographics and shifting political landscape of the city. This shift also signals the evolution of the Irish national struggle, which has moved away from the dissident republican movement towards a more platitudinal style of Irish nationalism.