Ulster: 'Divisive' language policy adopted at council

[Harold Schiffman]

'Divisive' language policy adopted at council




Date: 23 April 2009
A 'DIVISIVE' new language policy that gives precedence to the Irish
Language over Ulster Scots has been adopted by Derry City Council.

The adoption of the new Irish Language and Ulster-Scots Policies means
that a reason must be given if an element to promote the Irish
language is not included in civic festivals and events. This will not
be the case for Ulster-Scots. At a meeting of the Council's Policy and
Resources Committee last Thursday DUP Aldermen Gregory Campbell and
Joe Miller voted against the proposed policy whilst all Sinn Féin and
SDLP councillors voted in favour. Mr Campbell expressed concern that
the Irish language policy would further alienate the Protestant
community in Londonderry.

"There has been a difficulty attracting the Protestant community to
apply for jobs in Derry City council and part of the reason is
political decisions made in the council chamber. "If there is a
perception of alienation it is no surprise there is a difficulty in
getting Protestants into Council positions. We need to be careful we
don't implement a policy that exacerbates divisions," said the local
Alderman, who is Northern Ireland's Culture Minister.
Under the new policy, council is now obliged to promote the Irish
language as a component part of civic festivals, events and
celebrations and any decision not to include Irish language promotion
"must be justified". In contrast, the council need only "encourage"
that Ulster-Scots to be given consideration as a component part of
civic festivals, events and celebrations.

Moreover the "Council will translate and publish at least four
publications and four e-zines in English and Irish each financial year
and produce twelve press releases in Irish each year." Ulster Scots is
not given the same privilege. And whilst grant aid applications will
be accepted in Irish in future, the Council will merely promote
opportunities for the use of Ulster-Scots by encouraging grant-aid
applications for Ulster-Scots initiatives. Following the adoption of
the new policy Mr Campbell said: "This is perpetuating the
disadvantage for us."

The adoption of the new policies at Council level also means that the
public can request all Council services, information and
correspondence in both languages. Elsewhere the Council logo will be
reproduced to include English, Irish and Ulster-Scots. Accordingly,
all logos will be accompanied by the following text: Derry City
Council, Comhairle Cathrach Dhoire, Derry Citie Cooncil.

http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/news/Divisive-language-policy-adopted-at.5197962.jp
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