NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew a parallel between the Palestinian and Irish struggles on Tuesday — though he also hit a St. Patrick’s Day quagmire as he faced questions over his position on Irish unification.

Mamdani, whose support of Palestinian rights is central to his political identity, noted that Irish leaders like former President Mary Robinson have long stood in “solidarity” with Palestinians, saying that “it was on Irish soil the British Empire developed their colonial project.”

“Over the past few years, as we’ve witnessed a genocide unfold before our eyes, there has been deafening silence from so many,” Mamdani said.

“For those who have long cared about universal human rights and the extension of them to Palestinians, silence, however, is nothing new. For Palestinians are so often left to weep alone. Yet former President Robinson has never been silent.”

Ireland in 1980 became the first European Union country to call for Palestinian statehood.

The mayor also celebrated the luck of the Irish by attending Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and marching in the annual parade up Fifth Avenue.

Asked Tuesday if he supported Irish unification, an idea backed by Ireland’s major left-wing, democratic socialist political party, Mamdani responded that the Irish people should have final say.

“There’s always more to learn, but I can tell you as someone who believes deeply in the principle of self-determination, that I think that should also be extended to the Irish. I think when it comes to the future of Ireland, the best people to listen to are the Irish,” Mamdani said.

Asked the same question a day prior, Mamdani laughed in response and said “I gotta be honest, I haven’t thought enough on that question.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul took a more decisive stance Tuesday, in a rare outflanking of Mamdani from the left: “Indeed I do,” she said when asked during the parade if she supported a united Ireland.

Mamdani was greeted by cheers from fans — and some jeers as well — as he marched alongside Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

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(Sheetal Banchariya contributed to this story.)

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