Ards SDLP Councillor Joe Boyle has said that it is far preferable that any Irish Language Act is embraced by the Unionist community and not perceived to be imposed on them.
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Ards Councillor Joe Boyle has supported the introduction of an Irish Language Act.[/caption]
Speaking after a consultation for an Irish Language Act recorded that only one of sixteen Councillors in Ards Borough Council supported such an Act, Cllr Boyle said: “As the only Nationalist Councillor in the Ards Council, it might be no surprise that I was the only one is favour of supporting an Irish Language Act but this should not be the case.
“The Irish Language is for everyone. It transcends politics and belongs to everyone who calls this island home or shares an affinity with us. For this reason it is the firm policy of the SDLP to promote the Irish language at every opportunity. A comprehensive Irish Language Act would ensure valuable rights for Irish Language speakers and make it the official Language of the Irish, ideals endorsed by the Good Friday Agreement.
“It would promote the language in fields as diverse as media, justice and education and recognise the importance with which it is held by many people across Northern Ireland.
“In light of this we should sincerely try to reach out to the Unionist community, earn their support in this endeavour and bring them with us in the passage of an act. The alternative is denigrating the Irish language by subjecting it to a bitter political debate while legislation is forced through adding to perception that an Irish Language Act is being forced upon the Unionist community.
“I hope that when the time comes for the Assembly to vote on an Irish Language Act those considering will judge it on its merits or shortcomings and not make a decision based on sectarian or party politics.”
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