A BRITISH MP has addressed the UK’s House of Commons in Irish for the first time in more than 100 years.
Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, spoke as Gaeilge as she called for the implementation of an Irish Language Act in Northern Ireland.
It is believed to be the first time a sitting MP has addressed the chamber in Irish since 1901.
Called on the UK Government to uphold its commitment to introduce an Irish Language Act if power-sharing institutions are not restored within six months.
I understand this is the first time the Irish language has been spoken in the @HouseofCommons chamber.#NorthernIrelandBill pic.twitter.com/dlcEnaCR8Q
— Liz Saville Roberts AS/MP (@LSRPlaid) October 24, 2018
“Is cearta daonna iad cearta teanga agus tá cothrom na féinne tuilte ag lucht labhartha na Gaeilge,” said Ms Saville Roberts.
Her introduction translates as: “Language rights are human rights and the Irish speaking community are entitled to equality.”
Ms Saville Roberts then proceeded in English as she asked Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley if she would introduce an Irish Language Act as per the 2006 St Andrew’s Agreement.
The politician’s address, during a debate on Northern Ireland, is believed to be the first in Irish at the House of Commons by a sitting MP for more than a century.
In February 1901, Irish Parliamentary Party MP for West Kerry, Thomas O’Donnell, delivered his maiden speech in Irish.
After beginning as Gaeilge, he was quickly ruled out of order.
Northern Ireland Bill passes
In reply to Ms Saville Roberts’ question, Ms Bradley insisted the implementation of an Irish Language Act was a matter for devolved government.
The question came as MPs debated the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill, which was being fast-tracked through the House of Commons.
Westminster is coming under increasing pressure to legislate for Northern Ireland, which has been without a government for almost two years since the collapse of the power-sharing Executive.
In the absence of a functioning Executive and Assembly, the Bill proposes enabling civil servants to take certain decisions for Northern Ireland and allowing UK ministers to make public appointments.
The Bill passed by 344 to 26 and will now proceed to the House of Lords.
