A report for 'Today Tonight' on the political influence Noraid, the fundraising wing of the Irish Repubican Army (IRA) now have in the USA over St Patrick's Day festivities.

Michael Flannery an 81 year old IRA member is the Grand Marshall of the New York City parade this year. Many Irish and US dignitaries have withdrawn their support from the parade this year.

RTÉ reporter Pat Cox outlines the once innocent nature of the parade in NYC with majorettes and marching bands.

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and his feast day is celebrated on March 17th. It is widely celebrated amongst Irish Americans.

'Today Tonight' was a RTÉ current affairs programme covering events at home and abroad. The series began broadcasting on Monday, 6 October, 1980 and ran for 12 years until 1992.

Edited by Joe Mulholland, the original presenters included Barry Cowan, Brian Farrell and Olivia O'Leary. 'Today Tonight' aired from Monday to Thursday on RTÉ One.

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