‘Irish speakers won’t be victim of DUP intolerance’

THE SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has said that Gaeilgeoirí will not be victim to DUP intolerance again following claims that the party intends to block Irish Language legislation until the Northern Ireland Protocol is removed.

The Foyle MLA said that a political strategy to dismantle an agreement between the British Government and the European Union based on abusing Irish language speakers in the North is ‘illogical and fuelled by intolerance’.

Said Mr Durkan: “For years, Gaeilgeoirí have been denigrated and abused by the DUP.

“I was dumbfounded listening to media speculation this morning that the party may now be preparing to block Irish language legislation in some deeply misguided attempt to damage the Brexit protocol.

“The protocol is an international agreement between the British Government and the European Union.

“It has absolutely nothing to do with Irish language speakers in the North. Any attempt to renege on commitments in New Decade, New Approach related to language and cultural rights on that basis is illogical and fuelled by intolerance.

“Difference and cultural diversity is something that should be respected and nurtured in any society, not denied or ignored.

“The First Minister should urgently clarify her party’s position on this issue and set out a clear timeframe for the faithful implementation of the New Decade, New Approach commitments.

“Tá sé thar am reachtaíocht Acht na Gaeilge bheith againn.”

Tags: