Give the Irish language the justice it deserves

The language deserves respect and equality from all sectors of Northern Irish society.

The use of the Irish language in the Church of Ireland is very evident, with many books and literature having been printed in the language since early times, a similar situation from within the Presbyterian Church has also existed with several biblical transcripts having been widely printed since the late 16 century.

The growth and appetite for Irish language classes in mainly Protestant east Belfast is extremely strong and very encouraging, with Irish classes being offered in the East Belfast Mission building, on the sixth floor of Skainos Centre, with many first time learners from all ages and backgrounds now immersing in the language for the very first time and fully embracing what to some people might be a first experience.

The Irish language is for everyone to enjoy and to cherish, if desired, the same language belongs not to politics, but to the people, the use of the language must be made accessible to all people and traditions in the North.

Irish is commonly associated in several towns and surnames across the North, Irish is a part of the North’s fabric and cultural identity and the same is widely regarded by the thousands of visitors who visit the North on holidays from far and wide each year, let the people now give the language the justice it rightly deserves and warrants by showing support for a much needed language act from an emerging power sharing Executive body in Belfast.

John Connolly, Co Kilkenny