DUP’s Anti-Irish Language Policies Will Damage the Momentum of Economic Investments in the ‘New’ Northern Ireland

January 21, 2008—The Irish American Unity Conference today condemned the recent anti-Irish language actions of DUP Minister Edwin Poots, emphasizing the potential of such blatantly discriminatory decisions to overshadow recent attempts to attract foreign investment and promote fair employment in the “new Northern Ireland.” In October, Poots blocked the Irish Language Act promised by the British government at St. Andrew’s despite receiving overwhelming support, citing the belief that the promotion of the language could “undermine good relations” and “entrench patterns of antipathy and suspicions.” Now, the Minister’s office has removed the funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund from the budget. Poots’ stated position on the promotion of Irish as divisive calls into question his department’s ability to foster dialogue and serves only to polarize community relations.

The IAUC believes that such decisions are a blatant display of the sectarianism of the past, and not only work against the encouragement of foreign investment, but run the risk of replicating the problems of the past regarding resource allocation and investment—thereby undermining any attempt to build a solid foundation for just and inclusive social,economic, and political change.

IAUC President John Fogarty said, “Rights-based Irish language legislation would provide many opportunities for the growth of the language and for the provision of services to current speakers. We fear that the lack of funding and support from the government has the potential to choke economic renewal opportunities in the growth of the tourism industry related to the Irish language, as well as in other community-based development initiatives such as Fobairt Feirste.

“During their recent visit to the States, First and Deputy First Ministers Paisley and McGuinness told American politicians and businesspeople alike that the best way to determine whether Northern Ireland is good for business is simply to look at the political developments taking place there,” Fogarty pointed out. “Anti-Irish language policies operate as a deterrent to prospective investors who many of us are working hard to convince that the days of sectarianism and bigotry are in the past.”

Unionist politicians who stand in the way of Irish language legislation are abdicating their responsibility to the Northern Ireland community by undermining prospects for increased investment and lasting economic change. The IAUC pledges its full support for a rights-based Irish language act and will continue to act as a watchdog to ensure fair and equitable investment and employment in Northern Ireland. To this end, the IAUC will seek meetings with key members of Congress and all contenders in the Presidential race.