He may not be on top of the opinion polls, but Enda Kenny was on top of the world today as he became the first political leader to visit the top of New York City’s new Freedom Tower.

The 105 story building, close to the site of the twin towers, will be the tallest in North America when completed.

Mr Kenny said it was a privilege to become the first political leader to ascend the building. Describing the view as “mind blowing” Mr Kenny said his visit to the top of the Freedom Tower was symbolic of the journey Ireland had taken in scaling new heights.

Earlier Mr Kenny attended St.Patrick’s Day mass with the residents of Breezy Point in New York. The town which is known as the “Irish Rivera” because of his large Irish American population was devastated by hurricane Sandy last year.

The Irish Government provided financial aid, and Irish volunteers are helping to rebuild the homes which were destroyed.

Local Valerie Gilson lost her home in the storm.

“One of the things we were able to save from our home, that wasn’t destroyed was the Irish flag, so we put it on the flagpole at the end of the walk, and it helped us to find our house, because all the landmarks had been destroyed”

She  thanked the people of Ireland for their help. She said Irish people are set apart from other nations because of the fact that they “hang together as a community”.

“We’ve always helped other’s when they needed it and it was nice to see that help come back to us” she said.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the future for Breezy Point will be built on the strength of the spirit displayed by the community.