TUV asks Equality Commission to rethink ‘neutral’ Irish language signs stance after poll results

The TUV has written to the Equality Commission expressing “deep concern” about Irish language signs in public spaces following an opinion poll showing unionist unease with the signage.

North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston is asking the commission to re-evaluate classification of the signs as “a neutral act”.

He contacted the body after a LucidTalk poll for the Belfast Telegraph on Saturday showed strong unionist opposition to bilingual signs at the city’s new Grand Central Station.

Some 97% of TUV voters were against them, along with 91% of DUP and 71% of UUP supporters.

Overall, 50% of people in Northern Ireland agree with the signs being erected, while 43% disagree and 7% don’t have an opinion. Bilingual signage is supported by a majority of Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance voters.

In his letter to the equality body’s chief commissioner, Dr Geraldine McGahey, Mr Gaston includes data from the LucidTalk poll.

“I write to express deep concern regarding the implementation of Irish language signage in public spaces, particularly in light of recent findings that highlight significant unease within the unionist community,” he said.

“These figures underscore a pervasive sentiment that such initiatives are not culturally neutral but are perceived as politically motivated actions that marginalise the unionist community.”

Mr Gaston included other earlier polling data which showed that 71% of unionist voters said they would be more likely to move away if Irish language street signs were erected in their area, with 88% less likely to move into areas with such signage.

Three-quarters of unionists indicated they would be less likely to use leisure centres featuring Irish signage.

Mr Gaston said: “These statistics suggest that the introduction of Irish language signage contributes to a ‘chill factor’, leading to the voluntary displacement of unionist individuals from certain areas — a phenomenon that could be interpreted as a form of non-violent cultural displacement.”

He added: “In light of these findings, I request the Equality Commission to re-evaluate the classification of Irish language signage as a ‘neutral act’ in the context of its impact on community relations or produce evidence of polling which supports that.

“I would ask the commission to consider the implications of the ‘chill factor’ on the unionist community and its alignment with the commission’s mandate to promote equality and good relations.”

Mr Gaston also asked the commission to “advise public authorities to conduct thorough Equality Impact Assessments that genuinely reflect the concerns of all communities, ensuring that policies do not marginalise any group”.

He added: “A balanced approach that respects and acknowledges the diverse identities within Northern Ireland is essential for fostering genuine equality and mutual respect.

“I am not convinced that the Equality Commission’s position on this matter to date reflects that. I look forward to your response on how the commission intends to address these concerns.”

An Equality Commission spokesperson said: “The commission can confirm we received this letter from Timothy Gaston MLA on Tuesday, May 27. We will consider Mr Gaston’s request and respond in due course.”