Called on the UK Government to uphold its commitment to introduce an Irish Language Act if power-sharing institutions are not restored within six months.
I understand this is the first time the Irish language has been spoken in the @HouseofCommons chamber.#NorthernIrelandBill pic.twitter.com/dlcEnaCR8Q
— Liz Saville Roberts AS/MP (@LSRPlaid) October 24, 2018
This morning/afternoon.
Irish Language was spoken apparently for first time in the UK House of Commons as Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville-Roberts asked the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley:
“Is cearta daonna iad cearta teanga agus tá cothrom na féinne tuilte ag lucht labhartha na Gaeilge (Language rights are human rights and the Irish speaking community are entitled to equality)
Under the St Andrews Agreement of 2006 the British government pledged to introduce an ‘Irish Language Act based on the experiences of Wales and the Republic of Ireland’.
Will the Minister uphold its commitment by introducing an Irish Language Act if power-sharing institutions are not restored within six months?”
Dr Niall Comer, President of Irish language campaigners Conradh na Gaeilge, who lobbied Ms Saville Roberts, says
“We wish to thank those MPs who have listened to our community, and especially those who are prepared to act and speak in favour of equality, respect and language rights, in particular Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville-Roberts who historically addressed the House of Commons as Gaeilge today as part of her questions on the Irish language Act, following engagements with Conradh na Gaeilge. All we are asking is to be brought into line with the other indigenous language communities on these islands.”
Updataï:
Thomas O’Donnell did it in 1901, you may be a close second 117 years later though 😁
— Richard McC (@ric_mcc) October 24, 2018
Oh.
bean maith í féin..
If this is just to wee-wee the DUP off, I’m all for it.
Jeffrey Donaldson right behind her “What is this pagan language she’s speaking?”
Curry My Yoghurt, etc…..
An Modh Mowlam
Maith sí! Éirígí agus beir bua!
Cad é an freagra?
If I was a DUP voter sitting at home wondering who I will vote for in the next election, I would surely be calling into question Arlene Foster’s strategic judgement as leader.
Parking the Cash for Ash issue for a moment (as an issue of garden-variety cronyism which is possible in most political parties), on points of principle the DUP have really dug their heels in over the Irish Language.
The shutters are also down on gay marriage and abortion. And by driving forward an agenda for a Hard Brexit, they may actually pull forward re-unification with the Republic by a whole generation (not exactly something I relish the thoughts of!)
So if I was wondering who to vote for – do I consider:
– Cash for Ash
– Gaeilge in the House of Commons because Stormont is “having a break”
– Talk of a border in the Irish sea – unfathomable 5 years ago.
– Lack of social progress at home on gay equality and abortion
– Frustrating relationships with the Conservatives
– The possible ascent of Corbyn as a result of the above
– The economic damage to NI from a Hard Brexit
Surely there’s only so long that people vote DUP because they are afraid of the consequences of diluting the Unionist vote – should a more progressive Unionist party or prospective DUP leader emerge, Arlene will surely feel the heat… And Michelle O’Neill must be feel the heat a bit too – as Arlene seems to have made more progress on re-unification in the last 3 years than Sinn Fein have in 30 years. Interesting Times indeed!
well said
Bhi si ag labhairt Gaeilge i dTeach folamh. Nior chuala moran daoine an ceist.
Is cuma go raibh an teach beagnach folamh mar chuir sí an ceist agus tá ar an Rialtas é a freagairt.