Row over use of Irish language at Stormont

Unionists are fed up with having the Irish language thrown in their faces at the Assembly, Stormont heard today.

David McNarry (UUP, Strangford) said his party rejected any nationalist attempt to smear unionists as bigots over discomfort with the use of the Irish language.

A Sinn Féin petition ensured today’s UUP Assembly motion, requesting the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) prevent the use of Irish in the legislature, would require significant cross-community support.

It was defeated and Sinn Féin claimed today’s debate had inspired scores of new Irish language learners.

Mr McNarry said the debate was: “A clear definitive signal that unionists are fed up with the Irish language being thrown in their faces.”

He added: “There is no demand here, just a request, no abuse of anybody’s rights and I reject any attempt by any republican to smear any unionist by branding him a bigot.”

Caral Ni Chuilin (Sinn Féin, North Belfast) said today’s debate had sparked scores of fresh Irish language recruits.

“The issue of language rights, a non-controversial issue in Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and throughout Europe, an expression of human rights, has now become a political football in the battle for supremacy between the unionist parties,” she said.

“The determination of unionist politicians to block any recognition of the Irish language is a misguided and macho demonstration of anti-Irish bigotry.

“It’s almost as if unionism has decided to define itself by how ferociously anti-Irish it is – pathetic.”

Nelson McCausland (DUP, North Belfast) has likened nationalist support for the language to a cultural war.

OFMDFM Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (Sinn Féin, North Belfast) opened his address by speaking in Ulster/Scots – to a rather flat response from the house.

He also spoke in Irish, translating his comments but prompting Mr McNarry to indicate that he was sickened by the practice.

Mr Kelly said it was convention that any statements made in a language other than English is translated fully and accurately by the member immediately following a contribution.

He added the use of Irish or Ulster/Scots in correspondence was a matter for each minister.