Campaign to push for Irish Language Act
Andersonstown News
12/07/2006
A new Irish language lobby group has been formed to press the British government on honouring their commitments to an Irish Language Act.
Acht Act has been established to direct a short and focused campaign aimed at getting agreements made during the St Andrew’s talks implemented.
The campaign will centre around four main demands. One is to keep the commitment to the Language Act, with the second that the rights of Irish speakers be enshrined in the Act. Thirdly, that adequate resources are set aside for implementation, and finally that an Irish Language Commissioner is appointed for the North of Ireland.
Already signed up to Acht Act are Conradh na Gaeilge, Glór na nGael, Forbairt Feirste and An Chultúrlann, and organisers hope that more groups will show their support.
Jake Mac Siacais from Forbairt Feirste said the demands being made were very reasonable.
“What this is about is getting the British government to deliver on what was agreed at St Andrew’s. This campaign is island-wide and the posters are going up as we speak.
“The weeks ahead are critical because the British government has to start its public consultation soon if it is to keep to the agreed timetable,” he said.
To get the public involved, thousands of postcards listing the four demands are being made available in Irish language centres throughout the country. These are pre-addressed to Stormont Minister Maria Eagle. Anyone wishing to show their support for the campaign is urged to pick one up and send it.
As part of the campaign politicians both North and South will be lobbied to show their support and the campaign will end with a large public rally to be organised in the New Year.
