fresh start change

The belated confirmation of the appointment of our first Irish language and Ulster Scots commissioners in many ways sums up the considerable opportunities and deep frustrations surrounding the Stormont structures.

Pól Deeds and Lee Reynolds have the chance to make a real difference in the course of their terms of office over the next five years, and play strongly constructive roles in a range of key areas.

Unfortunately, it has taken nearly six years to reach this stage since the posts were created as part of the New Decade New Approach which restored devolution in January 2020, and, up until the start of this week, speculation was rising that the process was caught up in yet another serious dispute between the two main parties, Sinn Féin and the DUP.

It emerged more than two months ago that Mr Deeds and Mr Reynolds had been offered the jobs, and there has been no official explanation for the delay in making an announcement about their selectio

Both individuals have firm credentials in their own fields, with Mr Deeds a former deputy chief executive of the cross-border body Foras na Gaeilge and a respected Irish language campaigner, and Mr Reynolds a long-serving DUP representative who was previously an advisor to Arlene Foster during her time as first minister

They have the official task of setting standards for public bodies on the use of Irish and the delivery of services in Ulster Scots, but the symbolism which is linked to their duties is at least equally important.

Attempts have regularly been made by some unionist figures to marginalise and even demonise the Irish language, even though its striking growth over recent decades goes well beyond the nationalist tradition.

It is essential that both Mr Deeds and Mr Reynolds are treated with respect as they take up their duties, and they are also entitled to expect that their efforts will be encouraged by all our Stormont ministers.

There can only be disappointment that what should have been a relatively straightforward process leading to their recruitment took such a remarkably long time, and there would be deep concern if further obstacles are placed in their paths in the coming months.

It must be hoped that the commissioners are allowed to fully develop their strategies and deliver progress on a number of fronts, without being cynically targeted for political reasons.

Not all of the recent signs have been positive, and sniping from the sidelines is already underway, but there will still be relief that Mr Deeds and Mr Reynolds are finally in a position to begin assuming their significant responsibilities.