Debate highlights farcical stance on speaking Irish

THE presidential candidate debate on TnaG last week was ludicrous beyond belief when dealing with the Gaelic language in a programme mixed with both English and Gaelic.

Irish as it is known in this country is, outside of Scotland, a dead language relatively speaking, propped up by enthusiasts and special interest groups that are getting millions in government funding annually to keep an ornamental language alive.

Let’s face it: Irish is not spoken around every corner of this country and is only really spoken by those who are getting paid to speak it.

Why should anybody be forced through historical blackmail to speak a tongue more suited to an ancient Scottish culture that has been imported into this country and found its way to the west of Ireland and other remote areas that were cut off from main stream life?

It may rightly be disputed that Irish is not in fact Irish at all, but Gaelic spoken chiefly by Scottish clans who claimed independence for Scotland. Michael D Higgins and Martin McGuinness obviously believe it is worth votes and have conversed in it, despite viewers switching off as soon as they start speaking it because they cannot understand a word and feel insulted.

Nobody should feel they have to speak Irish to enter public life whether they be governmental candidates or presidential wannabes.

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Co Cork