Re: irish
I don't waste time trying to convince people of the importance of the language, and I'm not going to do it now, each to their own and all that.
The point, TirOileain, is that you are not prepared to leave "each to their own" - you advocate *forcing* your beliefs on others.
For you, the Irish Language is obviously important. Perhaps it's an important part of your identity, or (like me) you find beauty in the literature and music.
No-one could justifiably interfere with your right to speak the language, and indeed the society you live in goes further than that - it subsidizes and encourages your interest through tax breaks and grants.
However, there are millions of people on this Island for whom the Irish language forms no part of their identity. They don't speak a word of the language, and despite what some might think, they're just as "Irish" as you.
If, for whatever reason, you can't pass an Irish Language exam, you're prevented from working as a Teacher, from joining the Civil Service, from attending most of the (state-subsidized) Universities.
When you sit State exams, you're given less marks than an Irish speaker who provides exactly the same answers. Until very recently, you were barred from becoming a member of the Police force.
So, in a country where one adult in five lacks functional literacy skills, our schools spend an unquantified time and expense teaching a language which the vast majority of students will never hear, or use, during their adult lives.
if you want to speak Irish, and want your children to learn Irish, that's wonderful for you - good luck to you. You're perfectly free to speak it day and night, free from discrimination.
It's a shame, however, that the Irish Language lobby won't advocate that others have the same rights.
-- James