Debate contribution: Irish Language Street Signage in Belfast

Debate contribution by Miss Nuala McAllister on 13 October 2025.

MLA

Miss Nuala McAllister

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

13 October 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Irish Language Street Signage in Belfast

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5176289

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I will outline Alliance's position on the DUP motion and also set the record straight on what has become a widely distorted and, at times, misinformed discussion about dual language signage, particularly in Belfast. First, however, I remind people that use of the Irish language is not an attack on anyone's identity and that this policy in particular is about protecting and promoting an important part of our cultural heritage: a heritage that belongs to everyone, not just those in Belfast but those across the whole island. We should all be aware by now of the role that the Presbyterians played in keeping the language alive in the 18th and 19th centuries. I also highlight the role of the Grand Master of Belfast from 1885 until 1898, the Rev Dr Richard Rutledge Kane, who was a patron of the Belfast Gaelic League, which was founded in 1895, and who signed the lodge meeting minutes in Irish.

Yes.

Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I absolutely agree. It emphasises how the Irish language is a shared part of our heritage. Just today, I was also informed that there is, I believe, a Presbyterian church in west Belfast that still hosts the odd meeting in Irish.

No, not at this time. I am going to make some progress. It is incumbent on all of us as elected representatives to lead by example and show respect for all cultures in Northern Ireland. Irish is an indigenous, native and minority language, and, whether we like it or not, there is a need to protect and, indeed, promote such languages. When we talk about the Irish language, we are not talking about an abstract idea. We are not talking about a departmental-specific policy that requires years to research and develop. The Irish language has existed for more than 2,500 years. The oldest written examples date back to the 5th and 6th centuries. Even the Normans began to speak Irish. The Lord Mayor's chain, which many of us in this Chamber have worn, has "Erinn go bra", which means "Ireland forever", written on it in Irish. I say that because it is important. The Irish language is part of our history. It belongs to all of us, not to one party and not to one side of the community. Alliance policy on the Irish language has been consistent since the time that unionist parties on Belfast City Council would not get on board with our initial proposal. I say to the proposer of the motion, because both of us were on the council at the time, that we did put forward an initial proposal for 50% support, but we then supported the current policy, and we have stuck to that ever since. We outlined how we would not and should not support any street signage to which the majority of respondents do not agree. That that is wrong is something that we agree with in the motion. That deal, however, was reneged on by Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Green Party. If we are to bring people along with us when it comes to preserving identity for all of us, how can we then stamp on the expressions of difference of others?

Yes.

The 15% is based on international best practice; it is based around practice on these islands, in the UK and further afield. We brought proposals to you — the DUP — and you would not accept them. It is important that we all work together. It is shameful that, up until a year ago, Sinn Féin, in Belfast, set aside its respect for the democratic process when it came to individuals and residents living on a street. I agree that those who do not respond should not automatically be included as a negative, but ignoring the wishes of people who do respond, and igniting flames and tension in communities, is not about being a First Minister for all, and it is not about protecting and promoting the Irish language. It is about getting your own way. Over the past few weeks, we have seen a ramping up of the irresponsible rhetoric around the Irish language. It is important that we take a step back. It is a language and a culture that belongs to all of us. I condemn all the defacing of signage. I condemn the defacing of any sign, whether it is on my street or yours. We need to work together and ensure that, when we bring responsible decisions to any Chamber, be it here or Belfast City Council, we do not ignore the wishes of the residents with whom we all live. Hopefully, we can move forward together when it comes to promoting the Irish language, because it is important for all in Northern Ireland that we see that it is our shared heritage and shared culture.

809 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:30 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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