350,000 turn out to watch new-look parade

DUBLINERS and visitors alike endured blustery winds and drizzle to' catch a glimpse of the 3,500 chilly participants in the new-look St Patrick's Day parade in the capital yesterday. The parade, under the chairmanship of Mr Michael Colgan, had promised a totally new experience, but not everyone was convinced. The Minister for Tourism, Mr Kenny, felt that Macnas had been "outstanding", but said that there had been very long gaps between the floats. Nevertheless, an estimated 350,000 people turned out to make their own judgment.