EU respects Irish language more than our leaders do

Being able to speak your native tongue is a right, not a privilege, a rule the EU backs, says Laura Gaynor

In January, Irish Language Commissioner Seán Ó Cuirreáin announced his intention to step down following the failure by Government to implement legislation to improve services to the public through Irish.

His decision was met with uproar in the Irish-speaking community, not least because of the fear of no Irish representation in government, or the fear that he would not be replaced.