Epstein files St Patrick's Day float 'unacceptable', says rape crisis charity

A St Patrick's Day float depicting the fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein files has been labelled as "completely unacceptable" by a rape crisis charity.

Social media footage appeared to show people dressed in wigs on the float, which contained a mattress and a makeshift cage, attached to the back of a tractor.

There were also signs reading "Epstein Files" and "Prince Andrew goin [sic] to jail" - pointing at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's recent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

The float appeared at separate parades in Ballinrobe and Shrule in County Mayo and Headford in County Galway during celebrations on Tuesday.

Dr Clíona Saidléar from Rape Crisis Ireland said its inclusion in St Patrick's Day parades represented "an act of public grooming that normalises rape and sexual violence".

She added the display "reflects the persistent minimisation of sexual violence and a misogynistic culture that facilitates it".

The committee that organised the St Patrick's Day event in Ballinrobe said it apologised "unreservedly".

"As members of this community, as parents, and as volunteers, we want to state clearly that we condemn sexual violence, abuse and exploitation in all forms," it said in a statement.

It also said the float was not in keeping with the values of the parade, adding that it was "highly offensive".

"Floats arrive on the day and often reflect topical themes.

"There is no entry, registration or vetting process due to the informal, community led nature of the event."

The committee said it has never previously had an issue of this nature, and it responded "immediately" when it was brought to its attention.

"Typically, the parade completes two laps of the town but we acted to reduce the parade to one lap."

It added that the organisation of the parade will now be reviewed to "ensure that future celebrations continue to reflect the respectful, inclusive and family-friendly spirit intended".

Michael Burke, a councillor for the Ballinrobe area, added that there was "no scrutiny beforehand" and that the behaviour of those involved was "disgraceful".

The same display also appeared in a parade in Headford, County Galway.

Andrew Reddington, a councillor in the nearby Tuam area, said the float also "wasn't booked in" and that the separate committee in Headford was not "aware that it would be in" the parade.

"Unfortunately it was too late, as by the time it had gone through the town nobody could stop it or turn it away," he said.

"This float was not appropriate for any parade, but this is down to the people who put it together themselves.

"We have in the past advised groups that appropriate floats should be booked in but sometimes this is out of our control and floats just arrive."