Belfast, October 6, 2025 — Alliance Party deputy leader Naomi Long has accused politicians across Northern Ireland of turning the Irish language into a “culture war weapon” instead of promoting it as a shared cultural asset.
Speaking at an education conference in Belfast, Long said the ongoing political battles over Irish language policy have distracted from real progress and deepened divisions in a region still recovering from decades of sectarian tension.
“The Irish language should be something that unites rather than divides,” Long said. “Unfortunately, some political parties continue to use it as a tool for point-scoring, fueling old rivalries and mistrust instead of building a more inclusive future.”
The debate over Irish language rights has intensified in recent months following renewed calls from Sinn Féin for expanded use of Irish in public signage, schools, and government institutions. Unionist parties have pushed back, arguing that such moves are part of a broader effort to “erase British identity” from Northern Ireland’s institutions.
Long criticized both sides for what she described as “performative politics,” saying that ordinary citizens are less concerned about cultural symbolism and more focused on jobs, education, and healthcare. “Most people in Northern Ireland are tired of being dragged into manufactured culture wars,” she said. “We should be promoting respect for all traditions, not exploiting them for political gain.”
The Irish language issue has long been a flashpoint in Northern Irish politics. The 2022 Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act, passed under the previous UK government, granted official recognition to both the Irish language and Ulster Scots. Yet disputes remain over funding for Irish-medium schools and the implementation of bilingual public services.
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy responded to Long’s comments by insisting that promoting the Irish language is not a divisive act but a matter of equality. “The Irish language belongs to everyone,” Murphy said. “For too long, Irish speakers have been denied their rights. It is not a culture war; it is about respect and recognition.”
However, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA Carla Lockhart countered that Sinn Féin’s push for Irish-language expansion is politically motivated. “We will not support policies that impose Irish in areas where there is no demand,” Lockhart said. “This is not about culture, it’s about control.”
Long maintained that the Alliance Party remains committed to a balanced approach, advocating for language learning opportunities without politicization. She pointed to successful bilingual programs in Wales and Scotland as examples of how language can strengthen cultural understanding when implemented inclusively.
“Language is part of who we are,” Long said. “If we want a Northern Ireland that truly respects diversity, then we must ensure that language rights do not become another battlefield in our politics.”
Community organizations have echoed Long’s concerns. The Irish Language Network (Comhaltas na Gaeilge) said political arguments have slowed progress in education and cultural outreach. “We see enthusiasm for Irish growing among young people, yet political tension keeps resources tied up,” said the group’s spokesperson, Aoife Ní Bhraonáin.
Sociologists have warned that framing language policy as a zero-sum game could undermine Northern Ireland’s peace process gains. “Cultural issues like language become proxies for identity politics,” said Dr. Michael O’Neill of Queen’s University Belfast. “When politicians weaponize them, they reinforce the very divisions that power-sharing was meant to heal.”
Long concluded her remarks with a call for cooperation across party lines. “The Irish language is part of our shared heritage,” she said. “It deserves respect, not rivalry. The real challenge is to move from suspicion to celebration — from division to dialogue.”
The comments come as the Northern Ireland Assembly prepares to debate new funding proposals for Irish-language programs later this month. Analysts say the discussion will be a key test of whether parties can prioritize inclusivity over political theater.
