SF/DUP choreography over language

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs MLA has attacked the DUP and Sinn Fein for what he has described as 'Assembly choreography' over language after questions were submitted to the Culture Minister by Gerry Adams and Michelle McIlveen.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams who announced the Irish Language 'side-deal' this week and DUP MLA Michelle McIlveen ask the Culture Minister very similar questions, and receive almost identical responses in relation to the Irish language and Ulster Scots.

Commenting on the apparent choreography Mr Beggs said: "Another day and yet another example of the existence of side deals to the so-called Agreement at Hillsborough. Coming hot on the heels of the revelation about £20M of public funds going to the Irish Language and £5M to Ulster Scots language, we see clear choreography with the DUP asking about an Ulster Scot language strategy and Sinn Fein asking about Irish Language strategy in Assembly questions. I asked the First Minister about side deals during question time last week[1] but he made no mention of Irish language funding. "

It therefore seems reasonable to assume that a side deal has been done at Hillsborough relating to the Irish and Ulster-Scots language that will further drain the public purse in these harsh economic times.

'Public spending needs to be prioritized in the difficult economic climate we are in. That should mean the essentials- health, education and the economy. Minority language strategies are a luxury we cannot afford.

Genuine cultural enthusiasts should also be alarmed at the way their interests are being used as bargaining chips in a pretty sordid game of political roulette by Sinn Fein/DUP at Stormont