On the 14th October, Culture Minister Edwin Poots declared: "I have carefully considered the proposal 'to introduce an Irish Language Act' and the consultation processes embarked upon by the previous administration.
I fully acknowledge that there are those within the Northern Ireland community that have a close affinity with the Irish language and have legitimate aspirations to secure official recognition and protection of the language.
The enhancement and p
rotection of the development of the Irish language is an important matter for Northern Ireland. As is the enhancement and protection of the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture."
He then proceeded to tell us that "I remain unpersuaded that there is a compelling case for bringing forward Irish language legislation at this time."
Four days before, he told the audience at the Celtic Ball in New York that:"Following the success of the Rediscover Northern Ireland programme and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival earlier this year, we aim to bring more of Northern Ireland's arts and culture to America in the coming years. We want people in the United States to experience and enjoy the unique culture and variety of sports in Northern Ireland. We have much to offer!"
So you have, Eamonn O'Poota, but how can you use the words 'unique culture' and 'variety' while ignoring the rich island heritage that is the Irish language and more particularly in a part of the island where the language is a first cousin of Scots Gaelic…spoken mainly by Scottish Presbyterians!
Americans don't give a damn (Celtic Balls or not!) whether their ancestors were grim Calvinists from Cullybackey or sheep rustlers from Hackballscross!
Their Irishness is what tickles their fancy so I suggest you take some time out and attend Oideas Gael in Glencolumbkille where language enthusiasts flock from the US, Scandinavia, Japan and…wait for it…the Shankill. You see, one of the Oideas Gael co-founders was none other than Dr. Seosamh Watson) originally Joe Watson from East Belfast!
