FG complacent on Irish language policy

SEVERAL weeks ago I emailed the entire Fine Gael frontbench to ask if they thought the party had failed the Irish language.

I listed a couple of policy ideas on the language, including the need for an all-island young persons’ radio station in the language — a 2FM as gaeilge — and the need for statutory naming committees at council level for new residential developments.

I don’t propose (and didn’t in the email) that it should be compulsory for councils to name residential developments in Irish — unless they vote to do so like Galway City Council and Shannon Town Council. I merely wanted to see Irish names being encouraged.

Only Richard Bruton, Michael Creed, Olivia Mitchell and Brian Hayes got back to me. I believe most FG deputies have become complacent in relation to their Irish language policies. I think that because they have the (arguably) radical policy of making Irish optional for the Leaving Certificate they think they are the radical alternative to the Government on the language issue. They are not. With Brian Cowen set to become a very popular Taoiseach, it is incumbent on Fine Gael to have the best policies in all areas — including our language.

Darren Mac an Phríora

Corrán Chaisleán Cnucha

Caisleán Cnucha

Baile Átha Cliath 15