Forcing Irish on Navan

Dear sir - With regard to the naming of all new estates in Irish only, I do not agree with this proposal and Sinn Fein are in a very weak position to propose such. The following are my reasons: The national policy is bi-lingual; estates can be and are being named in Irish already without the imposition of a directive from Sinn Fein; there is clear evidence that a renewal of an interest in and growth of the use of the Irish Language is underway. But this is facilitated by the adoption of a voluntary approach to the use of the Irish Language. Witness the growth and popularity of Gael Scoileanna, to take but one example. The policy of compulsory use of Irish after national independence proved to be a failure. Sinn Fein in Navan now wants to re-introduce this same failed policy and force the use of the Irish language on people. After three decades of the most bloody conflict in Northern Ireland where Sinn Fein and the IRA were engaged in a conflict with those who were not seen to share their language or culture it appears that Peadar Tobin and Joe Reilly have learned nothing. Discrimination and the use of force by the political establishment in Northern Ireland was deeply felt by the Nationalist community and was bound to fail. It was not until the principle of consent and respect for different cultures and traditions was accepted by the majority of all people was there a hope for an end to division, conflict and killing. Sinn Fein, you are wrong on this one. You are still committed to force. This is not worthy of the decency that politics can represent and must represent most especially in these times. I am amazed that all in the 'Group of Five' who control Navan Town Council can go along with this. Yours, Cllr Jim Holloway, Navan.