A chara, - The removal of the Irish language requirement for secondary teachers will remove another impediment from the Celtic, or perhaps now not-so-Celtic, Tiger. It will assist our headlong rush to adopt Anglo-American culture with its materialist values, by illustrating that there is little value in what is unique to ourselves.
Undoubtedly the Irish language will now suffer the same fate within the teaching professions as it has among other public sector employees. In theory we should be able to communicate with such individuals in the language of our choice. In reality this is no longer possible.
Your Editorial of June 25th welcomes an end to compulsion, an emotive word which deserves investigation. Pupils throughout this country are compelled on a daily basis to learn English as car drivers are forced to drive on the left, yet this is accepted without complaint. Nor is there any criticism of the manner in which Irish speakers are compelled to use English when dealing with public officials.
History shows us that the Irish language was thoroughly undermined when English rule forced it from the realms of administration, education and commerce. The British administration failed, however, to exterminate our language completely. Perhaps Fianna Fail, "The Republican Party", wishes to complete this task. - Is mise, Marcas Mac Phaidin
Willesden Park, Beal Feirste 9.