Aontú’s GEMMA BROLLY responds to DUP Councillor Adrian McQuillan’s demand to ‘stop bringing Irish language motions.’
Aontú Rep for East Derry, Gemma Brolly, has hit out the latest insult to the Irish language by the DUP, as DUP Cllr Adrian McQuillan demands an end to ‘Irish Language Motions.’
Rep Brolly:
“The frustration and disappointment of many of our community continues to rise as the DUP and Sinn Féin continue to batter the Irish language like a tennis ball between two sides of the court. As an Irish language teacher, a mother of three children currently going through Irish medium education and a previous student of University of Ulster, Coleraine who completed her dissertation on “The Role of Protestant Women in the Irish Language” I would like to reiterate, as strongly as possible that the Irish language is for ALL.”
“I feel there is a severe lack of education out there regarding the history and purpose of the Irish language, past and present. This is something we, in Aontú, are committed to helping to change. In recent times the Irish language has been tainted heavily as a ‘one-sided’ language which Councillor McQuillan’s statement heavily consolidates. This is simply NOT the case. As representatives of our constituents, we have a moral and legal obligation to represent ALL our constituents. Councillor McQuillan, for example may not be a cyclist but I’m positive he has fully supported the fantastic addition of cycling trails to our own local forest in Garvagh. In the same token, he does not have to ‘take up’ the Irish language in any respect, he along with every other political representative, does however have an obligation to respect our rights as Irish language speakers and adhere to the communication rights articulated within Article 5 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.”
“With both “The Good Friday Agreement” and the more recent “New Decade, New Approach” deals came a sense of relief at a level playing field and fresh approach. The disappointment continues however at the constant ‘hammering’ of the language through utter lack of respect and the constant stalling of commitments. The fact that Conradh na Gaeilge have now been forced to seek legal action for the second time in four years is extremely disappointing. As with any language in this country outside of the English language, there is absolutely NO pressure placed on anyone to speak the Irish language. There is however, a moral obligation to respect the rights of others to communicate in the Irish language and to fulfil the promises made within political agreements. I personally, would welcome any of our councillors who wish to represent their constituents fully and respectfully, in discussing the place of the Irish language in our society today.”
