Councillors call for PSNI probe into anti-Irish language leaflets

Councillors have unanimously called for the PSNI to investigate after leaflets criticising the Irish language were placed on cars parked in Omagh, with concerns raised that the material could constitute a hate crime.

Sinn Féin councillor Barry McElduff raised the issue at a Fermanagh and Omagh District Council committee meeting, saying the leaflets, which claimed to explain “why 87 percent of Irish people should hate the Irish language”, had caused grave offence.

He said the leaflets purported, “Why 87 percent of Irish people should hate the Irish language. Distribution of a leaflet like that has caused grave offence. I believe a similar incident occurred in Belfast in the past. Obviously, I condemn the distribution of literature of this character which only stirs up hatred in the area.”

Councillor McElduff referenced a consultation he recently attended about language including Irish, Scots Gallic and Ulster-Scots and noted: “It was really interesting. The more you know, the less you will hate, not least in the matter of culture and language. The Irish language is held very dearly to many people in this council area.”

He proposed having the council engage with PSNI to establish if the leaflets amounted to a hate crime and what action can be taken.

This was seconded by Councillor Stephen Donnelly, Alliance who likewise condemned the: "Proliferation of this material. We know from reports of where this particular incident occurred but it may have taken place across a wider area. It’s worth pointing out the title on the leaflet around the 87 percent contains capitalisation letters for the word hate.

“The message supposed to be sent out from this is quite clear, yet it is rambling, nonsensical, chaotic and borderline unhinged. It reminds me of correspondence I received anonymously opposing the Irish language with seriously negative rhetoric. I’d be very curious to know if the person behind that the same as these leaflets”

He continued: “We should engage with PSNI on this because people in Omagh support the shared heritage that the Irish language represents and it is a positive element in our society. It makes a valuable contribution to the lives of many of our people so this type of rhetoric and behaviour is utterly unacceptable.”

Committee Chair Councillor Patrick Withers shared the condemnation telling members: "It’s very disappointing to say the least to learn this happened. It is indeed a shared heritage of a living language which is growing every day of the week in this council area. "

The proposal was supported unanimously.