Irish in Europe - Language needs help to survive

GETTING Irish recognised as an official working language of the European Union was quiet a cause celebré, one that energised language activists and their supporters.

Indeed the campaign afforded our forceful Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív a platform to use his special blend of persuasion and parish-pump autocracy.

The realisation of that ambition, so dearly held by those who use the language on a daily basis, was a natural step in our ever-deepening relationship with our European neighbours.