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11/08/2017
UUP Leader Meets With Irish Language Group
Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann has called on Sinn Fein to stop using the Irish Language Act as a "red line" in restoring the NI Executive.
Mr Swann made the statement after he met with representatives from the Irish language sector at Stormont on Thursday, 10 August.
He said: "We welcomed the opportunity to engage with representatives of the Irish language community – Conradh na Gaeilge and Forbairt Feirste. The talks were conducted in a frank and respectful manner.
"We reiterated that we have no problem with the Irish Language but remain unconvinced of the need for an Irish Language Act.
"We raised our concerns that the current debate surrounding an Irish Language Act is serving to divide society further.
"We also voiced our frustration that the issue of an Irish Language Act has become a red line in the current talks impasse and is effectively being used to hold Northern Ireland to ransom. This cannot be allowed to continue."
(CD)
Mr Swann made the statement after he met with representatives from the Irish language sector at Stormont on Thursday, 10 August.
He said: "We welcomed the opportunity to engage with representatives of the Irish language community – Conradh na Gaeilge and Forbairt Feirste. The talks were conducted in a frank and respectful manner.
"We reiterated that we have no problem with the Irish Language but remain unconvinced of the need for an Irish Language Act.
"We raised our concerns that the current debate surrounding an Irish Language Act is serving to divide society further.
"We also voiced our frustration that the issue of an Irish Language Act has become a red line in the current talks impasse and is effectively being used to hold Northern Ireland to ransom. This cannot be allowed to continue."
(CD)
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