The creeping prominence of the Irish language

Pretty much every country that's been colonised at some point in their history, although is depends on your meaning of 'first'.

Tell us more about how it's impacting on daily life as an ordinary citizen.

Every single piece of public information issued by the state is supposed to carry it in Irish first and then in English and with the former of at least equal prominence. That has a big impact on the delivery of public information. In a country where a very small minority will read or listen to the version as Gaeilge, it interferes substantially with the message and information.

I've no problem at all with a requirement for information in Irish to those who want it, but it shouldn't be pushed onto all citizens without their agreement.

That's hardly the dramatic level of impact you eluded too.

the purpose of a referendum is to agree on changes to the constitution. there is no change to the constitution with the Languages Act and so no need for a referendum.

Well, some people might consider it to be that important. I seriously doubt any President would do so on advice though!

so you want a referendum to change the place of the Irish language in the state? and all because you have to hear some announcements in Irish? The country really is turning into a bunch of pathetic whinging children.

A standalone referendum to change the constitutional position on the language would never, ever, ever pass.

However, fully expect some change to it to be proposed in a referendum if there is ever a likelyhood of unity - to avoid having to give equal status to Ulster Scots. And that would pass.

Provision for recognised minority status, funding, education options and so on; maybe even enhanced regional prominance rules for Gaeltachts - but without equal prominence nationally - to stop us having to have everything have Ulster Scots on it too.

I refer you to the guidance to public bodies - https://www.coimisineir.ie/userfiles/files/Guidebook4.pdf

It is not just 'some announcements in Irish'. It's remit is all encompassing across the full gamut of government communications, messaging and information.

Read it.

People very often trot this sort of mantra out when talking about the Irish language. "It's very important to our culture and heritage". And it's one of those tropes that many people simply nod along to in agreement, perhaps without giving it much thought because it sounds right.

But then ask someone why exactly is it so important? And people, even in the gaelteacht, will struggle to give you a solid concrete answer. It will usually be some wishy washy type response, which basically equates to saying "it just is okay".

The reality is that, being connected to your heritage and culture or 'Irishness' is not really dependent on being able to speak the Irish language. 

In fact it's somewhat insulting to the vast majority on the Island, to suggest this. Almost like the fluent speakers in the gaelteacht are the ultimate gatekeepers of what it truly means to be Irish, and the rest of us are some sort of fraudulent pretend Irish people. 

Would you tell an Italian the same thing, because they're not fluent in latin? Of course not, that would be insulting. Well I feel the same way, when fluent Irish speakers try to brow beat people with their language.

I feel very connected to my Irishness. I have a great interest in our history and traditions, and I don't need to speak a lick of Irish to have that deep connection to our country. It's just a myth and propaganda, spread by the Irish language zealots, who think their speaking of the language makes them special in some vital way. It doesn't!  

The Irish language isn't even really that important for tourism. Which is probably one of the biggest arguments you could make for plastering it all over signs and buildings at great tax payer expense. What language do we use when teaching tourists about Irish history and culture? You're not going to get very far, if you speak fluent Irish to a bunch of german or french tourists. (beyond a few token phrases just to show off).

The Irish language is like Latin to me. I'm not anti-Irish language. I have no desire to see it wiped out or anything like that. But these attempts to shove it down everyone's throat and shame people into thinking they're not really Irish if they don't value it, are pointless and arrogant. I don't resent the language, but I do slightly resent the people who are relentlessly pushing it on people.