The creeping prominence of the Irish language

Agree broadly, but it has been set in concrete in legislation by Eamon O'Cuiv back in 2003. Ordinary civil & public servants and offices have no option now but to comply even if personally they think it completely OTT. They have to relentlessly push it onto people.

That legislation is near 20 years old and it has taken time to bite but recent years have seen a significant ramping up of enforcement & implementation. Only in recent years are we seeing the full impact of the Official Languages Act.

Switzerland? The country with four official languages! Which one do you think they would pick on for removal of that status?

Just in the point about your interest in history and traditions.

You are right, you don't need Irish to understand it or enjoy it but without speaking Irish how do you know it's not more enjoyable even clearer through Irish. A ton of context and alliteration for example, is lost in translation.

A great example is the book, An béal bocht. In its English translation, it's a good read that tries hard to capture the essence of the Irish but just falls short. In Irish, it's a masterpiece of the written language that even the greatest translation can't match in its subtle meanings.

Enhancing the recognition of Irish, whatever that means, is not something I see as a priority. Those who do should put their minds to it.

likewise as regarding its use that's up to those who speak it and want to learn it. There are already adequate state supports for learning and using it so if people who think it's a good idea to 'enhance' it's use or recognition should just speak it among themselves and watch/listen to TG4/RnG.

Despite Irish being our native language I struggled with it... it was one of my best subjects.. second or third best in primary, I loved it but in secondary I struggled, I didn’t have much luck as... an inexperienced and very temperamental young teacher who was looking back, struggling in her first years in her profession, a wild fiery temperament and unpredictable personality and she was all over the kip... for leaving it was a close to retirement snorefest of a human just putting in the hours until retirement.....told us... “ I genuinely don’t care if you pass, fail or whatever, I’ll teach but if you don’t learn..not my problem .”

All well and good but if you were unsure and had a question... “ I already covered that were you not paying attention sunshine “ ?

The underlying issue is in Article 8 of the constitution.

Article 8 of the Constitution states: The Irish language as the national language is the first official language. The English language is recognised as a second official language.

Maybe it's time for an honest and open debate on that in modern Ireland and let the voting public decide in a referendum if this reflects their reality and needs.

As an article it has meant little other than vague aspiration since the foundation of the state. But has been used by language lobbyists to engineer a new vision.

The citizenry at large should be consulted in this matter to see if we agree.

You are bothered by the appearance of Irish in public spaces. You regard it's presence as zealotry, that promoting it is extremism.

It's a national language, just as many of the examples I've mentioned are national languages in their own countries. English is still the majority language and it always features alongside Irish in any official context. But a small minority continue to use Irish, as is their right.

Why else would you dislike it appearing in public spaces then - in Ireland, where the language is spoken? What hassle is it causing you? Are you ever prevented from using English? It is an aspect of ourselves that makes us unique - we're no less Irish for using English, but why would it bother you when you come across it?

Disliking not just the use, but the mere presence of Irish in Ireland seems to to me to bely an inferiority complex. Hence why I gave the examples of other nationalities not similarly abandoning their national languages out of utility or avoiding bilingualism - because they still hold their languages in esteem and don't regard them as liabilities.

There are zealots on both sides of the argument.

You don't have to 'impose' your language on someone to be a zealot.

And Irish speakers are not discriminated against just because someone doesn't speak to you m Irish.