‘Backwards step’ on bi-lingual signs

The proposal, by Sinn Féin Councillor Michael Cooper, would require one resident or councillor to request a bilingual sign and the support of 15% of residents to go forward for approval by Council.

At present, at least 66% of the respondents must be in favour. DUP Alderman Ramsey brought an amendment stating: ‘In the interest of good relations, equality and democracy, this Council asks the Environment and regeneration committee to form a working group to consider this further and attempt to achieve cross-community support.’

Sinn Féin Councillor Christopher Jackson responded: “In respect to the good relations the DUP are trying to give us a lecture on, we need to acknowledge there are divisive flags and emblems that are put around our Council district that the DUP conveniently ignore.”

DUP Alderman Maurice Devenney said, “What it says here is whether you want Irish signage or not you are going to get it by reducing the percentage down to 15%. I think what we had it at was a very fair mechanism.

“What I would say to Sinn Féin is I get many comments from people who live in republican areas who don’t want Irish signage either. I have no offence against anyone speaking the Irish language. When it is used as a political tool to back us into a corner, then it’s an issue.

“This city was built on good relations and when you look back at the comments of the late Mr McGuinness who would often say ‘we led from the front here’, I can tell you this is going backwards.”

Alderman Ramsey’s amendment failed to receive support from other parties.

DUP Alderman Graham Warke said “I do find it disrespectful that members of this Council can’t use the proper name of the city – Londonderry, and call the country by its proper name – Northern Ireland.”

Summing up Cllr Cooper said: “Language isn’t a threat to anybody.” Cllr Cooper’s Motion was passed with 29 votes for and nine against.