KEN LIVINGSTONE has vowed to reinstate the annual St Patrick’s Day dinner if he is elected London Mayor in 2012.

KEN LIVINGSTONE has vowed to reinstate the annual St Patrick’s Day dinner if he is elected London Mayor in 2012.

Mr Livingstone, who last Friday beat Oona King to win the Labour nomination for London Mayor, told the Times he thought Boris Johnson’s decision to axe the annual celebration was offensive.

Speaking from his home in Cricklewood, an area famous for its thriving Irish community, Livingstone said: “I think it is offensive of Boris to cancel St Patrick’s Day dinner.

“It took place every year in Park Lane and was a really popular event for the Irish community which actually made a profit.

“We should celebrate London’s multi-cultural communities and if I am elected I will be reinstating the St Patrick’s Day dinner.”

Livingstone, who was Brent East MP from 1987 to 2001, said he was relishing the prospect of a rematch with Tory Mayor Boris Johnson.

He said: “It will be good fun, I am feeling confident.”

For the full interview buy the paper this Thursday.