by Gareth Cross
Derry Sinn Fein councillors have been asked a unionist representative if they could read their motions out in Irish at a council meeting.
UUP councillor Derek Hussey made the suggestion at the monthly meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council, which was held at the Guildhall.
Sinn Fein councillors submit their motions for full council meetings in both the English and Irish languages. They are the only party to do so.
Speaking at the meeting, Alderman Hussey said that the normal procedure at council was for a proposer to read out their motion.
He told the meeting that if people were submitting motions in two languages it was only proper that they should read it in both languages.
A council officer confirmed that this would be normal procedure.
Alderman Hussey said that if they were unable too, another councillor could read it on their behalf.
Sinn Fein councillor Mayor Maolíosa McHugh said that he would read them for Councillor Hussey if he wished.
The Alderman replied saying that he acknowledged the mayor would be able to read them but wondered if other councillors could.
Some of the Sinn Fein contingent at the meeting suggested that Alderman Hussey should read his next motion in the Ulster-Scots language.
Sinn Fein councillor Patricia Logue said that she termed Alderman Hussey's comments 'totally irrelevant'.
Her party colleague councillor Karina Carlin said later in the meeting that she was pleased to see Alderman Hussey take such an interest in the Irish language.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.
