Statement by TUV South Antrim Assembly candidate Mel Lucas:
“There has been uproar within pan-nationalism that the Secretary of State has not introduced Irish language legislation before the Assembly election. It seems that the sticking point is what to call the language commissionaires and whether the term ‘British’ can be used. The sticking point is immaterial, no amount of spin about an Ulster Scots or Ulster/British commissioner will obscure what has been conceded to. Irish language legislation was agreed to by the DUP in January 2020 in the New Decade New Approach Deal.
“The DUP agreed in the New Decade New Approach to the “official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland”. This isn’t even afforded to the English language. Likewise, an Irish Language Commissioner with statutory power to “protect and enhance the development of the use of the Irish language by public authorities” was agreed to. Thus an Irish language fanatic will decree standards that public bodies will have to abide by and there is no doubt that over time staff fluent in the Irish language will be advantaged. Such standards will be required to be renewed every five years giving ample opportunity for Irish language regulations to be ramped up.
“This agreement causes myself and many others great concern about the employment prospects of our children and grandchildren if they refuse to bow to Irish language supremacism. This is utterly wrong and even more shameful that it was agreed to by the DUP who should know better.
“People should remember that the story here isn’t about the possible name of an Ulster Scots or Ulster British commissioner holding up the implementation of the Irish language legislation . Rather the story is that Irish language supremacism was agreed to by the DUP. South Antrim needs a unionist MLA they can trust to not let the trappings of office get in the way of defending their and their children’s futures.”