Colonial attitude to Irish speakers’ rights

YOU assert (Editorial, October 17) that “as each passing census records, fewer and fewer people describe themselves as competent Irish speakers”.

This is simply untrue, and I challenge you to publish your basis for such an assertion.

Then you suggest “that in towns and villages where there is not an alternative school, English must be the primary medium”.

At a stroke you would kill off the Irish language and, in many cases, deny the majority of citizens the right to facilitate the minority.

I see no difference between that position and the colonial policy prior to the foundation of the State.

I think that not even the DUP would support such an extreme position.

It is outrageous for a national newspaper to suggest that the right of Gaeltacht children to an education through the medium of Irish should be vetoed in such a manner and that English speakers should have a right of veto over Irish speakers at all times.

That automatic elevation of the rights of one group over those of another is what we normally call racism.

Equality means equality.

I believe the children of Dingle/An Daingean should have access to an English medium stream if that is required, but it swings both ways and, equally, people should have access to an education through Irish anywhere in the State.

Ciarán Dunbar

Baile na Machaire

Cluain Daimh

Co an Dúin