Kilkenny councillor calls for more 'leadership' from public representatives to increase Irish language use

Local Labour Party councillor, Sean Ó hArgain believes public representatives must show 'leadership' and do their 'level best' to speak the Irish language at all public functions.

"I should be able, as a citizen of Kilkenny, to do my business in my chosen forst language with this council, from the time them phone is answered or I arrive at the front desk downstairs, right through to the decision relayed to me about my housing or planning application," Cllr Ó hArgain told Friday's sitting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District.

"We as public representatives must show leadership in this regard. The Mayor of Kilkenny is the most important person in the eyes of the citizens of our city and indeed our visitors. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and all of us as councillors should do our level best to speak our language at all public occasions.

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"It is easier than we think. Help should be provided to members to be able to speak basic Irish on these occasions. I am personally happy to help any member who would want to do this," the former mayor commented.

"They say that a Good Beginning is half the battle. Let’s make that good beginning now and ensure that every week is Seachtain na Gaeilge in our city, as we promote a truly bilingual city for all our citizens," he concluded.

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