A chara, - I compliment The Irish Times on its articles in Irish and on Irish language matters down through the years, many of which I have enjoyed. Tuarascail of September 22nd, and page 2 of September 10th are perfect example of what this reader finds to be informative and enjoyable. Molann an obair an fhoireann.
Having previously considered writing a private letter to Trevor Sargent to compliment him on his vision, I now wish to do so through your column. Nar lagai Dia Trevor Sargent TD! His effort in this instance, I feel should not only be complimented, but ought to be followed by others in both the public and private domain. Having my own small procedure in use for some years now - that of saying, "Much obliged, go raibh maith agat", whenever I obtain a service or make a purchase in public - I can say that public good will throughout Ireland towards Mr Sargent and any other representative who follows his lead ought to be very considerable.
I refrain from attacking Mr Myers for his linguistic prejudice. Such a view should not bother any of your readers any more than it does this reader. People who wish to be bothered may find many matters of greater import to bother them throughout the day, be it traffic, unjust taxation, dishonesty or whatever. Having watched for some years the change in both youth and adult attitudes to Irish I can only confess that there is an inkling of positivity in Mr Myers's view. Whether he will or will not develop and move on to an alternate socio-linguistic view is a personal matter for him and the fact that he may express himself forcefully negative in the interim or exterim is hardly cause for all of us to vent up and down. Caith do phiopa is bi i do thost, oir nil sa saol ach gaoth is toit! Nach cuma ar aon bhealach?
There are many members of all political parties in the Oireachtas who can speak Irish. There are many members of the public who similarly can speak Irish. Let the public who can speak Irish have the good manners to say their thanks in Irish and English at the petrol station, at the supermarket, at the bank and anywhere else that they may. It's very little to do four your language. Just speak it in public and enjoy it as those about you do. If you don't, Kevin - bail o Dhia air -
may have been right all along! Now is your chance, your millennium milestone. A new era for a new Eire? An Ghaeilge nuair is feidir agus an Bearla nuair is ga! - Is mise,
Seosamh Mac Muiri, Bothar Lar-rosa, Sligeach.