ELECTION '23: Unionist parties snub Irish language commitments

THE majority of political parties have committed to increased support and protections for the Irish language ahead of the May 18 election.

Conradh na Gaeilge, the democratic forum for the Irish-speaking community, launched Gaelvóta this week, a campaign requesting commitments to a series of key manifesto pledges regarding the promotion and protection of the Irish language in local councils.

As part of the #Gaelvóta campaign election commitments were sought on the following 5 issues

1. The ratification and implementation of an Irish language policy and strategy;\
2. Provision of services in Irish in Council;\
3. Resource the promotion and safeguarding of the Irish language;\
4. Increase the visibility of Irish in the Council area;\
5. Raise awareness of the Irish language and tackle prejudice.

A total of eight political parties responded to the campaign committing to support a majority of the manifesto pledges including, Aontú, Alliance, Green Party, SDLP, Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, IRSP, Socialist Party NI, as well as a series of independent candidates.

Conradh na Gaeilge have confirmed that no response has yet been received from any of the Unionist parties including, DUP, UUP, TUV and PUP. The Workers’ Party and the Cross-Community Labour Alternative have also not responded.

Michaeline Donnelly, Tanáiste, Conradh na Gaeilge said:  “As we enter into a new era for the Irish language following the introduction of the new Irish language Act at Westminster, the role of the Irish language in public authorities and local councils will become increasingly prominent.

“As we approach the local council elections a majority of parties have now endorsed a series of commitments to protect and promote the Irish language. Several councils have little or no protections or recognition for the language and whilst several others already take a progressive approach regarding Irish language provision, many gaps remain to ensure comprehensive protections and measures to promote the language.

"In the current mandate parties are committing to taking resolute actions regarding policy implementation, resources and increased visibility of the language across local councils.”

Conchúr Ó Muadaigh, Advocacy Manager with Conradh na Gaeilge, added: “The incoming Irish language Commissioner will introduce a series of best practice standards for Irish language service provision and local councils will be expected to implement those language standards in full. Looking at best practice models elsewhere and international obligations, local councils should now be getting their houses in order regarding language promotion.

“We want parties to take the next steps in this ongoing process of building comprehensive and authentic Irish language provision in their local authorities. To ensure local councils and representatives meet local demand and local community needs we are asking them to implement this series of manifesto pledges in full during the incoming mandate and to continue meeting Irish language representatives and community members in the coming term as the new era of language rights begins to be rolled out.”

The #Gaelvóta pledges in full and party responses can be accessed here.