PA MediaThe Democratic Unionist Party leader, Gavin Robinson, has said the approval of Irish language signage at Belfast’s Grand Central Station was “bad process” but “that’s not to suggest that this is a crisis” for the Stormont executive.
Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins approved £150,000 for Irish language signs saying it was a “hugely positive development”.
However, Robinson said the minister “decided to squander” the money “in the absence of political discussion”.
Robinson also told the BBC’s Nolan Show there were plans to amend the ticketing system to incorporate an Irish language option.
He said that would “require them to remove the foreign language options that are already inbuilt for tourists coming to Northern Ireland who don’t have English as their first language”, adding that was “a nonsense”.
Robinson said: “Where there are issues that are significant, cross-cutting or controversial they should be brought to the executive for discussion for agreement.”
“That is how we should be doing business,” he added.
The DUP leader confirmed that his party’s ministers have written to Kimmins to ask whether she engaged in consultations including with Translink, before taking the decision.
He argued the decision “was made outside the legal parameters in which the executive should operate”.
However, he said that “ultimately it will be for the courts” to decide on this.
Speaking on Monday, Sinn Féin assembly member Declan Kearney emphasised that “the Irish language is now thriving in communities across the island”, despite “a history of persecution and discrimination”.
“That is reflected in the official recognition which it now enjoys both in the south and north of Ireland,” he said.
“Sinn Féin fully supports the rights of Gaeilgeoirí (Irish speakers) as we continue to build a society underpinned by inclusion, rights and respect for all.”
