Sinn Fein label Arlene Foster's comments on Irish language as '˜absolutely disgraceful'

Mrs. Foster made the comments at a DUP event in Lurgan on Monday.

Mr. McCartney said Mrs. Foster’s remarks were another desperate attempt to deflect public attention from her party’s “incompetence and mishandling” of the RHI scandal.

“These disgraceful comments from Arlene Foster about the Irish language are yet another example of the absolutely disgraceful arrogance of the DUP,” said Mr. McCartney.

“Time and time again the DUP have shown nothing but disrespect to the Irish language and identity.

“These comments further highlight the contempt in which the DUP holds large sections of the community,” he added.

Mr. McCartney described the up-and-coming election next month was a chance for the electorate in the north to “reject the DUP’s contempt for the public”.

“It is also another desperate attempt by the DUP leader to deflect public attention from the DUP’s incompetence and mishandling of the RHI scandal.

“The British government committed to an Irish Language Act in the St Andrew’s Agreement and Sinn Féin is determined to see that commitment honoured.

“On March 2 the people have an opportunity to reject the DUP’s contempt for the public and put equality, respect and integrity at the heart of the political process,” said Mr. McCartney.