FG needs to review Irish language policy

MY former colleague in Fine Gael, Barry Walsh (Letters, May 9) is mistaken if he believes the party’s Irish language policies are sufficient to satisfy the goals of the Irish language community.

Mr Walsh correctly names several FG policies on the language that are good and I agree with the party that compulsory Irish for the Leaving Certificate is doing more harm that good.

However, Mr Walsh did not mention any of their other policies. I am confident FG wants the Irish language to grow radically. However, by focusing solely on Irish in the education system, this will not happen.

To his credit, party spokesperson Dinny McGinley has said the most modern marketing techniques should be used to promote the language.

But FG needs to be more specific. The official Irish language movement has largely failed, but Gael-Taca (Corcaigh), Gaillimh Le Gaeilge and Forbairt Feirste, along with a small handful of others are doing great work.

Unless FG broadens its Irish language policies, it will be seen by a lot of gaeilgeoirí as complacent.

Mr Walsh and others in Fine Gael may think the party’s policies on the language are good enough, but I and many other gaeilgeoirí don’t. The power is in their hands.

Darren Mac an Phríora

Corrán Chaisleán Cnucha

Caisleán Cnucha

Baile Átha Cliath 15