Let us hope unionist MLAs remember Sinn Fein’s centenary veto when Irish language laws come before Stormont

Earlier this week your paper reported that unionists faced having to pass an Irish Language Act at Stormont before the next election (see link below).

I am sure I am not the only person who noted the irony of such a prospect when, a few days later, it emerged that Sinn Fein had vetoed the erection of a simple monument at Stormont to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland’s formation.

Sinn Fein and Irish language pressure groups have made no secret of the fact they regard the passage of the proposed Irish language legislation as nothing more than the first step.

The ultimate objective — as spelt out in policy papers released by groups like Conradh na Gaeilge and proposals produced by Caral Ni Chuilin when she was Culture Minister — is affirmative action in favour of Irish speakers in the civil service and road signs having Irish on a par with English.

All of this, of course, at a cost to the public purse.

Republicans loudly demand special treatment for their culture to be celebrated and acknowledge across Northern Ireland. At the same time they refuse Unionists space for a monument, at zero cost to the public, commemorating the state they jointly govern.

One can only hope that unionists remember how their modest request was treated when the Irish language legislation comes before the assembly.

That will be the time at which unionism in showing a united front, as it did when requesting the monument, can deliver something of substance for their community.

Samuel Morrison, TUV Dromore, Co Down

• Leaked DUP minutes show dismay at party’s direction

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor