21 February 2008 Edition

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Bradley must address SDLP hypocrisy on Irish language

SDLP COUNCILLORS refused to support a motion before Newry and Mourne Council this week asking that Ministers of all Departments and all government agencies and bodies in the North ensure that signage in the environs of their buildings and offices will be in Irish and English, in line with the policy of Newry and Mourne District Council.
Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly has said that the stance of the SDLP councillors has clearly exposed the party’s hypocrisy.
“It is unfortunate that the SDLP do not have a joined up approach to the Irish language. While Dominic Bradley, as SDLP Irish language spokesperson, champions the language in the Assembly his colleagues in Moyle and Newry and Mourne do the opposite”, Brolly said.
“The SDLP last Monday night in Newry and Mourne completely rejected an amendment to a motion which advocated bi-lingual signage in government agency and statutory body offices.
“The same party in January opposed Irish language signage in Moyle Council.
“What, therefore, is the SDLP’s policy on Irish?
“At a time when there is grave concern among the Irish language community over the protection of rights for Gaelgeoirí the SDLP must clarify there position”, he said.

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