Latest reports on Irish Language Strategy ‘a deliberate, provocative and intolerant approach’ by Gordon Lyons says Cathy Mason MLA
Commenting on reports that Gordon Lyons’ Department for Communities will not bring forward an Irish language strategy before the end of the mandate, Sinn Féin MLA for South Down Cathy Mason said: “This is the latest example of a deliberate, provocative and intolerant approach by Gordon Lyons towards the Irish language.
“The DUP has once again launched an assault on the Irish language in an attempt to shore up its electoral base and win back support from the extreme right of unionism.
“The DUP Deputy First Minister, in recent days waxed lyrical about standing and speaking up for everyone in the north, the reality is that the DUP would rather stand against those in the Irish Language community and will go to any lengths to delay, deter and deny them their rights.
“No amount of political point-scoring will weaken the determination of Sinn Féin or the wider Irish language community to stand up for fairness, equality and rights.
“We support calls for legal action to compel the Communities Minister to introduce an Irish language strategy without any further delays.
“Political unionism’s direction is clear: lurch further to the right, lash out at minority rights, and undermine the spirit of powersharing agreed in 1998 through arrogance and calculated cynicism.”
