Condemnation after ‘sectarian and anti-Irish graffiti’ sprayed on bilingual Belfast street sign

There has been condemnation about “sectarian and anti-Irish graffiti” daubed on a bilingual street sign in south Belfast over the weekend.

Images appear to show the slogan on the sign at Laganvale Street in the Stranmillis area of the city, with black paint also sprayed over the Irish part of the sign.

A spokesperson for People Before Profit said the incident is a “symptom of the continued discrimination against Irish speakers”.

They also referenced a recent incident in December last year in which students at an Irish language conversational class held at The Points bar on the Dublin Road left the venue to find anti-Irish language posters left on their cars claiming “English is our mother tongue” and “most Irish people should hate the Irish language”.

Speaking about the incidents, the PBP spokesperson added: “A local resident highlighted that as a diverse area with many speakers and supporters of the Irish language from all backgrounds who, democratically, asked for dual language signage, this doesn’t represent the community of Stranmillis or the wider south Belfast area.

“Sectarian threats have no place in south Belfast.

“The targeting of the Irish language and its speakers should be condemned by all parties, and the relentless attacks on Irish language rights must end.

“Those in the Executive who refuse to uphold the right to speak, teach, and use the Irish language demonstrate the institutionalised sectarianism that defines Stormont.

“Families in the area who speak Irish should not be left to feel intimidated when leaving their homes by those who refuse to accept the rights to language that underpins a free and fair society. Everyone should show our neighbours that we stand with them.”

The PSNI has been contacted.

News Catch Up: Tuesday 28th January