Attacks on bilingual signs ‘idiotic and futile’ – Ó Muirí
Sinn Féin Councillor Barra Ó Muirí has described attacks on bilingual signage in the area as ‘idiotic and futile’.
The party’s Irish language spokesperson was speaking after yet another bilingual sign in the district was vandalised.
“I don’t know what the people behind these attacks are hoping to achieve but they should know that their actions are idiotic and futile,” he told Newry Times.
“I would urge them to look into the history of wherever they are from; look into the names of townlands, look at where their ancestors came from and where their own names came from. It’s a safe bet that the roots of all these things will be in the Irish language.
“The Irish language belongs to all of us; it is a part of our shared, common heritage. It is nothing to be feared or loathed.
“All that is achieved when you attack these signs is that you make your own area look bad. At a time when we are trying to promote the district as a viable tourist destination what impression do you think visitors will have of your town or village when the first thing they see is vandalism?”
Article continues below:
He said unionist politicians needed to show leadership. “Ever since the council agreed its bilingual policy certain councillors have been goading people into these actions with their comments,” he said.
“It is highly irresponsible and frankly, disgusting, for councillors to be encouraging the destruction of council property which then has to be replaced at a cost to the ratepayer.
“I would urge these councillors, who claim to be democrats, to embrace the equality driven bilingual policy that their council voted for and show some leadership in their communities.
Ó Muirí added, “The Irish language belongs to all of us and it forms part of the area’s unique cultural appeal to visitors. I would urge people to work together to make this district a success for everyone rather than engaging in vandalism that only hurts your own communities.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=56808