Cearta Teanga = Cearta Daonna

Máire Nic an Bhaird, a Belfast member of the Irish-language youth organisation Na Gaeil Óga and secondary school teacher is before the courts again for the third time on (Monday, 18 September 2006). Her crime - speaking to a member of the PSNI in her native language, Irish.

Ciarán Ó Brolcháin, Secretary of the Belfast branch of Na Gaeil Óga said, "It is absolutely ludicrous in today's society that a young lady can be arrested for speaking to a member of the PSNI in her native language."

"This incident, highlights the urgent need for an Irish-language Act in order to guarantee the linguistic rights of Irish-speakers, when it is plainly obvious that those intrusted to do so, the various arms of the state including a sectarian police force, are more interested in harassment."

He continues, "Na Gaeil Óga will be organising a protest outside the Laganside Courthouse. We and Máire herself have received warm messages of support from Irish-language activists, and supporters alike. The protest will be attended by various language activists, language and community organisations and her supporters."

Seán Ó hAdhmaill, National Chairperson of Na Gaeil Óga stated, "We have been aware for some time of the negative attitude of the PSNI as an institution and of its members toward Irish-speakers. The attitude of elements within the Garda Síochána should also be challenged in their attitutde to Irish-speakers, as witnessed by the recent harassment of our members on both side of the border for assserting their rights."

"Young Irish-speakers are plainly aware of the challenges before them in asserting and guaranteeing their rights as Irish-speakers. Máire Nic an Bhaird, is but an example of the thousands of assertive young people coming through the Gaelscoileanna throughout Ireland, who are willing to confront linguistic narrowmindedness and bigotry where they come across it."

"The irony of this incident is that the overt bigotry of this member of the PSNI towards an Irish-speaker, may well have opened the door for wide-ranging reform in the northern legal system to the betterment of Irish-speakers in general."

Natalie Simpson, Uladh Ógra Shinn Féin Irish Language Officer said,

"I would urge all Ógra activists and young republicans to join the protest, making a stand in defence and promotion of our native language but also against the bigotry and oppressive attitudes that exist within the PSNI."

Léirsiú Gaeilge

10rn Dé Luain, 18ú lá de mhí Mheán Fomhair 2006
Tithe Cúirte cois lagan, Béal Feirste

Ag tacú le Máire Nic an Bhaird
Acht Gaeilge a éileamh sna 6 chondae

Tacaigí le Máire, tacaigí linn!

Cearta teanga, Cearta daonna!

Irish Language demonstration

10am Monday, 18th of September 2006
Laganside Courthouse, Belfast

In Support of Máire Nic an Bhaird
To demand an Irish language Act for the 6 counties

Support Máire, Support Us!

Language Rights are Human Rights!