SINN Féin’s Raymond McCartney has given his party’s support for members of the Irish Language community in Derry who will be organising a public meeting today.
It is being held at 1 pm outside of Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Great James Street to demand civil rights for Irish speakers and an end to discrimination against Irish speakers.
Foyle candidate Raymond McCartney said: “There is considerable anger in the Irish language community in Derry and across the island about the DUP’s lack of respect for the Irish language.
“The DUP have continually shown disrespect to the Irish language and identity and have held up progress on both an Irish language strategy and an Irish language act.
“We support today’s public meeting outside Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Great James Street , Derry.
“The Irish language threatens no one and is for everyone in our society.
“I am calling on as many people as possible to come along and attend today’s public meeting which takes place at 1 pm.”
He also called on Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt to clarify his position on an Irish language act.
He said: “Last year, UUP leader Mike Nesbitt criticised Sinn Féin for calling for an Irish Language Act in line with the commitments made in the St Andrew’s Agreement.
“The demand for an Irish language act is entirely justified and the DUP’s disgraceful attitude toward the Irish language and identity is unacceptable.
“We now need clarity from Mike Nesbitt and the UUP on their position on an Irish language act.
“Do they accept it as part of the St Andrew’s Agreement or are they going to follow behind the DUP in attempting to deny people’s rights?”
