SINN Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has said that Gregory Campbell’s latest remarks on the Irish language, a community festival in Derry and Martin McGuinness are “crass, offensive and completely lacking in respect”.
The East Derry MP had earlier criticized this year’s Gasyard Feile programme.
He referred to the event as the ‘Gasyard failure’ and criticized events featuring photos from the late deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and former MP George Galloway.
Mr Campbell said: “The Gasyard failure should be a real bundle of laughs this year.
“First Marty’s photos (don’t know if there will be the obligatory warning at start in case those of a nervous disposition are viewing) then the serial election loser George (the cat) Galloway.
“Roll up, roll up get your tickets please!”
Raymond McCartney hit back, saying: “These comments are another example of the DUP’s Gregory Campbell’s total and utter disrespect for the Irish language with his offensive comments about the Gasyard Féile.
“The Gasyard Féile is a hugely successful and inclusive community festival, now in its 25th year, which promotes community health and wellbeing, international awareness and human rights and enables dialogue and discussion.
“Sadly, this is not the first time Gregory Campbell has insulted the Irish language community with his offensive anti-Irish mockery.
“His arrogant and ill-informed comments are ironic as the Féile also includes an event with Linda Ervine looking at the relationship between the Irish language and the Protestant, unionist and loyalist communities.
“His disgraceful comments and mockery are also at odds with recent comments made by the DUP leadership following meetings with sections of the Irish language community.
“Gregory Campbell also showed a lack of respect for others with his crass and offensive comments about the late Martin McGuinness and clearly at odds with his party leader’s attendance at Martin’s funeral.”
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