Goan wonders what Kenny’s linguistic ‘legacy’ will be

The former head of RTÉ and TG4, Mr Cathal Goan, has questioned what the Taoiseach’s “legacy” to Irish will be.

Speaking at the launch of the new on-line news service, Tuairisc.ie, in Dublin this evening, Mr Goan, referred to Mr Enda Kenny’s decision to appoint Mr Joe McHugh TD, as Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, a decision that many criticized given that Mr McHugh was less than fluent in Irish.

Mr Goan asked if the Taoiseach’s “legacy” would “be that a little Irish is now enough, and that greater proficiency is only required to demonstrate one’s superior fluency to Gerry Adams?

“Let us hope that Tuairisc.ie will keep a close eye not just on the less than fluent Minister of State but on all of Government, as they attempt to continue in power for 2016 when symbolism will be sought at every crossroads to show how Irish we are.”

Editor of Tuairisc.ie, Mr Seán Tadhg Ó Gairbhí, said that the service would provide “an innovative multimedia news service in Irish with high-quality reporting and analysis on national, international and Gaeltacht affairs”. It would also offer a section for adult learners and for secondary school students.

The President, Mr Michael D. Higgins, sent a message of support, describing Tuairisc.ie as an “important” development.

The Deptuy CEO of Foras na Gaeilge and the project’s funders, Mr Seán Ó Coinn, also offered his support for the fledging undertaking. He said that it was important that Irish speakers had “easy access to reading material on current affairs in Irish and that Irish speakers at home and abroad can enjoy the best of journalism in Irish, presented in an effective and modern way”.

Tuairisc.ie is now on line.