Unhelpful News Letter editorial on Irish language promotes division

I am writing with regards to the editorial on the Irish language signage policy in Belfast City Hall (‘The change to Belfast’s street sign language policy will encourage a push to use Irish in places where there is little demand for it,’ January 9).

This is a policy for all minority languages, not just Irish.

Your statement that any new sign will “need only the approval of 15% of the residents” to happen is extremely misleading and misunderstands completely the point of the consultation part of the process and the threshold, which is simply to identify positive need.

This will help streamline the process and make it easier for signage to be approved where there is a desire for it.

This is in line with international guidance and standards for minority languages which calls for a 5- 20% threshold.

If the 15% threshold is reached, the request is then forwarded to the committee for decision on a discretionary basis and issues such as any opposition will then be considered.

Alliance has been clear – if a majority opposed the signage in the consultation, we would vote against it at this stage and I would expect any democrat to do the same. Indeed, I raised your scenario of 80 to 85% opposition in discussions with Conradh na Gaeilge and they said that they would not expect signage to be erected in this case.

Also, unlike previous proposals from Sinn Féin, which we opposed, there is now a threshold to be met and the existing budget will be the basis for the number of signs erected – about five per month, which means a streamlined process at no additional cost.

Unfortunately, misrepresenting the new policy only continues in promoting divisions and is unhelpful.

As a Presbyterian, I am proud of the role my forefathers have played in the development of the Irish language and I believe that this is another positive step in promoting a language which is for all as well as other minority languages in our city.

Michael Long, Alliance councillor, Belfast

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