Irish-language activists picket Fine Gael offices

SOME 200 Irish-language activists marched on the Fine Gael headquarters in Dublin to protest against Enda Kenny’s proposals to drop compulsory Irish for the Leaving Certificate.

When Mr Kenny and a front-bench delegation from the party went to meet the protesters to explain his support for the language, he was subjected to heckling and to chants of ‘Fine Béarla’ from the crowd. The protesters, mainly third-level students, also held a rally outside the Dáil.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also entered into the debate yesterday, saying he was disappointed with the stance Mr Kenny had adopted.