If Irish is recognised in NI then unionism must be so in south

The Provos' and others' agitation for Irish language recognition have presented unionists with a golden opportunity to redress cultural imbalance and discrimination, and still they miss.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2017, 12:07 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:28 BST
July 12 and such Orange culture and unionist traditions must be recognised and funded in the Republic if Irish is to get such recognition in NI. Above Orangemen march down the Crumlin Road in Belfast during an annual Twelfth of July parade. Photo: Niall Carson/PA WireJuly 12 and such Orange culture and unionist traditions must be recognised and funded in the Republic if Irish is to get such recognition in NI. Above Orangemen march down the Crumlin Road in Belfast during an annual Twelfth of July parade. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire
July 12 and such Orange culture and unionist traditions must be recognised and funded in the Republic if Irish is to get such recognition in NI. Above Orangemen march down the Crumlin Road in Belfast during an annual Twelfth of July parade. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Instead of objecting to the inevitable, they should used their negotiating position to ensure that unionism gets the recognition that it is due in the Republic.

Recognition of Irishism in Northern Ireland should be conditional on recognition in the Republic of unionist traditions such as 12th July public holiday, official funding, support and encouragement for Orange and Royal Black culture.

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An essential element of a balanced approach to cultural diversity is official recognition and remorse by the Republic for Irish Catholic crimes against Protestants and unionists.

Something along the lines of that established by Tony Bliar when apologising for the potato famine would make a good start.

A fully mature approach could take the form of anti-hate memorials in Germany.

David McDowell, Belgravia, London, SW1

Related topics:Northern Ireland