Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
I start tonight by looking at the facts. Since 2022, only 12% of applications for Irish language street signs in Belfast have secured majority support from residents. That means that, in nearly nine out of 10 cases, minority wishes have trumped the view of the majority. That is not cultural expression; it is, indeed,…
FlaggedIrish language, Ulster-Scots and language policyCriteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Cultural grievance politics, Dog-whistle messaging, Controversy escalation.
When I was a councillor in Lisnasharragh, and even in my role today, communities like that came to me — I have spoken to members of Mr O'Toole's party on those issues as well — and we tried our best to have flags removed from areas where there is not consent and to engage with communities. However, we did not vote for…
I also have very few focail . I am a very poor Irish speaker. I am not ashamed of that, but it is something that I would love to rectify, and I intend to do so. I want to learn Irish. I am trying to learn it with my kids. Like Sian Mulholland, I have very young children who are looking at the Irish language, exploring…
I appreciate the Member articulating her remarks, but we are now into the second Alliance speech, and we still have not heard how you are going to vote on the motion. Will the Member articulate to the House and the watching public how the Alliance Party will vote on the motion?
I rise as someone with giota beag Gaeilge — a little bit of Irish. I am an aspiring learner; it is something that I have tried to do. I think of Béal Feirste — Belfast; the heart of my constituency, Ballymena — an Baile Meánach — the Middle Townland; and Loughguile — Loch gCaol — River of the Narrow Water. For me, all…
I thank the Member for giving way. There has been commentary — in fairness, not by the Member, yet — by unionist politicians, including party colleagues of his that demonstrates that it is not just Irish language signage that the DUP is opposed to. A few years ago, I put a proposal to the then Infrastructure Minister…
I suggest that the only people who are driving a wedge between our communities are those on the opposite Benches. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue concerning Irish language signage being imposed in parts of Belfast, particularly in areas where there is little demand or support for such…
FlaggedIrish language, Ulster-Scots and language policyCriteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Cultural grievance politics, Dog-whistle messaging, Controversy escalation.
Go raibh maith agat. Tuigim go bhfuil mo chara anseo ag iarraidh cor a chur ar an díospóireacht. Le scéal fada a dhéanamh gairid, glacaimid go bhfuil ceart ag gach saoránach. Ceist agam ortsa: an dtuigeann tusa anois go bhfuil aitheantas bainte amach ag an Ghaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil sa stát seo? Maith thú. Tá…
I appreciate that it was not the Member's speech, but the last speech did not address the topic, which is about street signs. What is the Member's message to residents of a street where the majority have voted against having the street sign added in Irish? What is his message to those residents? Should they just suck…
Caithfear bheith soiléir: ní bhaineann an rún seo ón DUP le comharthaíocht. Ní bhaineann sé le beartas. Níl ann ach iarracht eile lenár bpobail a tharraingt ar gcúl. Bhog daoine ar aghaidh; bhog an tsochaí ar aghaidh. Tá muintir Bhéal Feirste, ó gach pobal, ag iarraidh dul chun cinn a fheiceáil. Tá urraim agus…
I am listening to the Member, and I do not disagree with much of what he is saying. He clearly has a love for the language. However, does he believe that the optimal way to promote the language is to impose it on streets where 16% say that they are in favour whilst 50% say that they are against it?
Níl a fhios agam cé acu ar chóir an díospóireacht seo bheith ar cois i gComhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste nó anseo. Tá me cinéal idir eatarthu. Cibé, tá súil agam, an méid atá le rá agam go mbeidh sé oideachasúil. Tá an Ghaeilge ar cheann de na teangacha scríofa is sine san Eoraip, le fréamhacha ag síneadh siar níos mó…
No doubt, as we have heard already, those of us who speak in support of the motion will be labelled as intolerant, regressive or anti-Irish. Those are labels that I do not agree with, but, perhaps, in supporting the motion, I will be adding my name, and those of my colleagues, to the list labelled as such. However, we…
FlaggedIrish language, Ulster-Scots and language policyCriteria met: Cultural grievance politics, Dog-whistle messaging.
I said that I recognise that Alliance is not supporting applications where a majority of residents have indicated that they do not want it. The point, therefore, is this: should that not be included in the policy, rather than its being left to the whim of how parties choose to vote and how they would change how they…