Irish language will never be the talk of Europe

IT seems the silly season arrives earlier and earlier each year.

The European Parliament has just lost the few marbles it had with the recognition of Irish as a spoken language of the EU. Since when has Irish been the spoken language of this country. This letters page is entirely in English.

The politicians in Leinster House debate, argue and insult each other in English with the odd diversion by some deputies stuttering through what they like us to believe is Irish, leaving their colleagues misty-eyed and confused as they try to understand what is being said.

What about our courts? If Irish is used, the courts are unable to cope. Why? Because our legal eagles take flight as most can't speak Irish. Anyway, some would say they speak a language all their own. Having them speak Irish would spoil their little party.

I can't remember the last time I heard of a judgment delivered in Irish. Even the legal diary is in English.

RTÉ have scant regard for Irish because they know advertisers would not spend their brass on any programme entirely in our first official language.

Look at RTÉ radio. All stations are in English, with the odd news bulletin in Irish. RTÉ television is no different.

TG4, to their credit, try hard but still need English language films to keep them afloat.

Last week it was announced that children are opting out of Irish in favour of other languages. So much for a living language.

A condition should have been laid down by the European Parliament that the language would be recognised as long as the Irish members used it when addressing the assembly.

Then it would soon become clear to the rest of Europe that most Irish members don't know their own language.

So, €3 million or so is to be wasted on this nonsense.

The only ones likely to benefit are the translators that's if there are any to be found who no doubt will receive a handsome salary for dealing in another European irrelevancy. I think we are all being hoodwinked by a bunch of fanatics. Most people know that English is the main language of this country while Irish was the ancient one that, unfortunately, has been lost in the mists of time.

Let's be kind to it, leave it to academia, and let it rest in peace.

Jim Yates

93 Cill Cais

Old Bawn

Dublin 24