Language body says ban will fail

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7032764.stm

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Irish language advocates have said they are confident a move to stop assembly ministers using Irish will fail.

UUP MLA David McNarry has tabled a motion seeking to stop ministers making addresses in the chamber in Irish.

Janet Muller of Pobal, the umbrella organisation for Irish speakers, said there was widespread anger at the move.

"Demanding Irish speakers cease to use the language in public is the language equivalent of telling black people to sit at the back of the bus," she said.

"It can only tarnish the north's image at home and abroad."

She said banning Irish would set the institutions outside of the other devolved assemblies in the British Isles and the government of the Republic of Ireland.

Mr McNarry said there was plenty of recognition already for the language. His motion also opposes proposed legislation for an Irish Language Act.