Poots says he will not bring in North Irish Act

CULTURE MINISTER Edwin Poots has confirmed he will not introduce an Irish Language Act to promote Irish, as promised to Sinn Féin by Tony Blair during the St Andrews talks in 2006.

Speaking at a conference in Belfast organised by Pobal, the first Irish language event he has officially attended, the DUP minister said though he was keen to promote a shared heritage, he had no plans to introduce Irish language legislation. He criticised republicans, accusing them of "politicisation" of the language.

In particular, he condemned Sinn Féin's decision to name a new Irish language group after Caoimhín Mac Brádaigh, an IRA man shot dead by Michael Stone at Milltown cemetery 20 years ago.

Chief executive of Irish language group Pobal Janet Muller said that while she was happy to see Mr Poots open the event, she was disappointed by the content of his speech. She said it was time Irish was given "full recognition".

© 2008 The Irish Times

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