News / Politics

Sinn Féin holds DUP leadership to account on Irish language

Sunday, 13 June 2021 4:39 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 13 June 2021 4:48 PM ]

Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill appears determined to hold the new DUP leadership to account over the all-important issue of due recognition of the Irish language

Northern Ireland’s political instability has deepened following the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) refusal to provide assurances on the Irish language to Sinn Féin.

The Irish Republican group, Sinn Féin, has accused the DUP of “acting in bad faith” over promises made in relation to an Irish language Act.

The spat is important as the two parties – which occupy deeply opposing ideological positions – only have seven days to put together a new devolved administration, known as the Northern Ireland Executive.

Sinn Féin has yet to appoint a new deputy First Minister to work alongside First Minister-Designate, Paul Givan.

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However, after a series of meetings with the new DUP leader, Edwin Poots, Sinn Féin sources have expressed doubt about the DUP’s willingness to deliver on an Irish language Act, as envisioned by the New Decade, New Approach agreement which restored the Northern Ireland Executive after a three-year hiatus.

A Sinn Féin source issued the following statement to the state broadcaster, BBC: “Our assessment is that he [Edwin Poots] is being disingenuous by saying publicly that he will honor commitments made in New Decade, New Approach”.

“We believe they are acting in bad faith. We do not believe they will deliver on the Irish language legislation”, the source added.

Most consequentially for the stability of the Executive, the source concluded by saying: “Our position is that nomination for First Minister and deputy First minister has to be accompanied by legislation on the Irish language”.

Sinn Féin’s robust position on the Irish language was reinforced by the party’s Vice-President, Michelle O’Neill, who earlier this week said she wants “more than just fluffy words” from the new DUP leader on this all-important issue.