Speaking as a DUP source told the Nolan Show that the Party could renege on commitments to an Irish Language Act if the NI Protocol remains, PBP MLA Gerry Carroll said:
“If the DUP attempt to hold Irish language rights for ransom, as is being suggested, it would be a shameful attack on Gaeilgeoirí. One week after attacking women’s reproductive rights, the DUP are clearly ramping up Trumpian tactics to inflame the political arena, and whip up division and tension.
“These tactics, if followed through, should be condemned right across the political spectrum. Irish language rights are not bargaining chips or political fodder to be held hostage until the DUP get what they want.
“An Irish language act should have been delivered long before now, but Gaeilgeoirí are still waiting. The Executive have allowed it to fall far down the political agenda. And this failure to deliver Irish language rights leaves them open to attack from the DUP and speaks to the fundamental failures of New Decade New Approach.”
“I expect these reports will be met with the same furore as the cuts to Líofa funding and nurture units, and Arlene Foster’s gross ‘crocodile’ comments. As has been proven time and again, the only way to force the Executive to take rights seriously, is with serious pressure.
“PBP stands with Gaeilgeoirí today whose rights have been denied for too long. We cannot rely on the Stormont establishment to deliver those rights and we continue to support grassroots campaigns led by the Irish language community.”
ENDS
