GEMMA BROLLY: Irish Language Act Must Not Be A Political Pawn In DUPs Game
NB for Journalists, see Letter to First Minister Attached
Aontú Rep for East Derry, Gemma Brolly has called for clarification on the commitment of the Northern Ireland Assembly and in particular the DUP to the Irish Language Act, following claims of intent to use the Irish Language Act as a ‘bargaining’ chip for ‘The Northern Ireland Protocol.’
Rep Brolly:
“The Irish Language Act was agreed as part of the “New Decade, New Approach” and had been promised to be completed within 100 days, yet here we are, over a year later with the threat now hanging over this agreement. Only a few days ago the First Minister reaffirmed this promise within the assembly, declaring that the legislation would be in place before the end of their remit, almost tempted to say “sin é” she stated.”
“Yet days later, a member of the same party has informed us, the language they have so often referred to as being ‘political,’ will now trump this purpose for their own intent by way of a bargaining chip for “the Northern Protocol.” While these actions appear to have little consequence for our political leaders, there is a nation of people, deeply concerned and lacking more and more in confidence in the political institutions of the North regarding provision for the language they cherish.”
“Aontú is fully committed to the Legislation and provision of the Irish Language Act and to removing the Irish language as a ‘political baton’ being ‘tossed’ about by various political parties. We will not tolerate such childish and unjust regard for the language we hold so dear. This behaviour resembles that of a playground yet it continuously occurs within the leadership of the North. We have sought clarification from the First Minister on these claims and also on a timescale within which the Irish language Act will be fully implemented.”
Aontú Press Statement - GB ILA Letter to PR
