Jim Allister: That Irish language activists get special treatment of a secretary of state meeting shows the pandering to such interests

It is clear from the statement issued by the Irish language activists, after their meeting with the secretary of state today, that they are demanding a gold plated Irish language act that no one who cares anything for the Britishness of Northern Ireland could contemplate.

The very fact these campaigners were given the special treatment of such a meeting indicates the pandering to such insatiable interests at the heart of the talks process.

Ciaran Mac Giolla Bhein (centre) and other 
members of Irish language group Conradh na Gaeilge (CnG) speak to the media after meeting with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith at Hillsborough Castle.  Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wireplaceholder image
Ciaran Mac Giolla Bhein (centre) and other members of Irish language group Conradh na Gaeilge (CnG) speak to the media after meeting with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith at Hillsborough Castle. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Jim Allister, QC MLA, North Antrim, TUV leader

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