Toe-curling moment Sinn Fein politician complains she’s not allowed to speak in Gaelic in European Parliament – only to backtrack in English when she’s told she can
A Sinn Féin MEP faced an embarrassing moment in the European Parliament after complaining she was not being permitted to speak in Irish (Gaelic), only to switch back to English once officials informed her that she was, in fact, allowed to use the language. The exchange was captured and drew attention for the awkwardness of the politician's swift climbdown after making the complaint in front of colleagues.
The mishap unfolded as the MEP raised her objection during proceedings, apparently under the impression that Irish-language contributions were being blocked or unsupported. When corrected, she reverted to English rather than continuing in Irish, undercutting the point she had just tried to make. The clip has since circulated as a notable gaffe, though the article does not name the politician or specify the date of the sitting.
- Sinn Féin MEP wrongly claimed she couldn't speak Irish in EU Parliament.
- She was told she could, then switched back to English anyway.
- The awkward exchange was caught on camera and shared widely.