Mixed views on whether Irish Language Act would be beneficial for NI

Aidan O’Lynn: As part of the United Kingdom, we should be treated the same as every other part, with the same rights, protections, responsibilities and freedoms. Why do Scotland and Wales give special status to their indigenous languages, but Northern Ireland doesn’t?

Scott McDowell: Why should we waste millions more on a language act for a language that already gets £34 ma year, which people are free to learn if they wish and which only a tiny minority on both side soft he border have any interest in? It and Ulster-Scots are both a pointless exercise and no more money should be wasted on either of them.

Ruth Picking: They don’t even use it down South.

Jake O Donnghaile: Ruth, I think you will find that there is an Irish language Act down South that is used in schools. Yes, they do speak more English, but that’s what happens when a country is colonised. Go down to the likes of Kerry and you will find most speaking Irish.

Shirley Anderson: Your point being, Ruth? It’s part and parcel of the heritage of this Island, so why shouldn’t it be acknowledged and protected?

Valerie Davison: We don’t speak Irish here, we speak English. Most people don’t even speak Irish as a second language. Stuart Neilly: It already is protected here. It gets funding and there are many schools teaching it and classes for adults as well.

James Alexander: I assume that, if Irish is to be plastered on every street 365 days a year, there will be no problem within republicanism with the loyal orders parading on every street once a year? Seeing as we are all now in the business of integrity and respect. Peadar O Cuinneagain:

If it was just once a year, as you suggest, I can’t imagine many nationalists having a problem with that. It would be a big improvement from closing town centres off every Saturday evening from May to September.

James Alexander: Why do unionists have to tolerate Irish 365 days a year, when republicans can’t tolerate an Orange march one day a year (10 minutes either way, to be more precise)?