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Connolly launches year-long initiative to make Irish welcome at Áras an Uachtaráin
President Catherine Connolly launched an initiative to encourage people to use more Irish and make Áras an Uachtaráin a place where people can speak it at any level. At her first media appearance in months, she answered almost all questions in Irish, despite urging fluent speakers to welcome learners, and asked reporters to keep questions focused on the announcement.
The initiative, called Togra Gaeilge an Uachtaráin, will run until November next year and invite community groups to the presidential residence. Plans include Irish classes for Áras staff and training for civil servants working with the President. Several dozen Irish-language influencers were invited, while journalists were not initially guaranteed time to ask questions; Connolly translated only one answer into English.
In short
- Connolly launched a year-long Irish-language initiative.
- She answered almost all media questions in Irish.
- Community groups will be invited to Áras an Uachtaráin.
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The case for
A year-long initiative at the presidential residence could make Irish more visible in public life and give people practical chances to use it, including learners who may lack confidence. Classes for staff and engagement with community groups could help create a welcoming setting where Irish is part of everyday conversation, not only formal occasions.
The case against
A presidential initiative should be accessible and accountable to the whole public, so limited opportunities for journalists to ask questions and the lack of English translations may leave some people less informed or included. Critics could also question whether the residence’s programme will lead to lasting gains in Irish use, and argue that public resources should support language efforts with clear, broad community benefit.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “During her first media appearance in months, Catherine Connolly encourages Irish speakers to be welcoming of those who are NOT fluent in the language… but then the President decides to only answer questions as Gaeilge!”.