Irish language gets full EU status today

I can somewhat see your point (not this post particularly but some of the others earlier about Irish language signage issues + divisions in NI). However, I honestly thought it would have been better for NI if there was a Language act or whatever in place by now to cover Irish modelled on UKs other non English regions (so yes, that would include signage in multiple languages -> Irish appearing on official signs). Those acts are in place in Wales and Scotland for almost a generation now. Once in place + there's some legal framework in there around official use of Irish or Ullans etc. it seems to me it helps take it off the table as a game-piece somewhat (maybe that is naive of me?).

I don't follow ins and outs of NI, but from what I know of this issue, something like this was promised as part of the NI peace & devolution talks down the years since the 90s but has always been obstructed strongly by Unionist politicians. So there's a huge sunk cost to giving in to it now for them.

(some speculation follows)

Even under this very anti-devolution "muscular Unionism" Conservative UK govt. that has been cozy with the DUP in recent past it could still be taken out of local hands at some point in future if they will it given supremacy of Westminister, and NI will just be brought more in line with rest of the modern UK regardless.

I judge they (this UK govt.) are extremely worried by a national fragmentation and are I think hoping to bring the UK together + reduce differences in governance across it. So similar to abortion rights issues etc, they may well see NI and what Unionist politicians want there (status quo on Irish in NI) as the outlier causing more disharmony inside the UK rather than trying to pick some new fights in Scotland and Wales over rowing back on rights Gaelic and Welsh have acquired.

If something like that passed and local govt. puts it on the official govt. signs and the like, on roads, in public buildings etc. possibly with Ulster Scots how is that "supremacy"?

I would agree with you that people trying to use Irish in NI to mark cultural space or exclude others could be a problem for NI. I really don't know what to do about that...very hard to stop people trying to mark "their" territory and warn others off whether any Language act comes in or no. It is just a symptom, keeping Irish off the official signs won't help and I don't see how govt. putting the Irish language on their official signs is somehow endorsing or encouraging such a negative use of Irish to exclude others or having Irish as a "supreme" language. That will remain English on the whole island, whatever happens with Irish on official signs in NI.

That's fair alright (or we wouldn't be having the discussion here I suppose). As others post though (and I said it too) it is "just" a language, or maybe "just" is the wrong word. I don't think it can be reduced to a flag or a slogan or political symbol, or tool of "the Shinners"/IRA etc etc, it's alot bigger than that. The violence is supposed to be done in NI now regardless if some of the gunmen were fond of a cúpla focail or they/political associates saw promoting use of the language as part of a struggle.

As regards specific areas "wanting" the signs, I don't know how it works in Wales or Scotland but I admit that idea may not work out well in NI, given what you've posted. Would be better as some standard for signs set across NI, an all or nothing thing. In terms of increasing usage of the language + supporting it (presume that would be goal of a language act in NI if that happened) I don't expect the signage is the most important aspect.

Here you go again, shifting the goalposts.

You made a plea for a 'consensus' to be reached on Irish...you were told 'consensus' (agreement) had been reached several times but Unionists had welched on it and are under threat of the Agreement (New Decade New Approach) being implemented in the HoC.

Dual language signage is already up all over NI downcow without any issue bar a few pockets.

That's what has been said.

Are there any case studies of Unionists who have suffered because of having to look at dual language signs in Fermanagh/Omagh district? They have been up long enough now, surely there is some data on the negative effects?

We have had dual language signage here forever and I am not aware of any studies on the damage they do. I see them used as tourist image all the time and you can even buy replica signage.

How about 'if it is relevant' then it can be mentioned.

Using the conflict/war, (which saw 1000's on both sides die, and was not conducted by ALL Irish people and language enthusiasts) to deny rights is NOT relevant just as denying you rights for what Unionists did in a UI would be wrong too. How about that?

You want me to do your research?

I asked where there any studies on the damage done to Unionists by the signs already up for years all around the district.

It's absolutely relevant to a discussion on the restoration of place names in Irish. Same as it would be relevant to restoring the plantation castles around the country.

I am very surprised you never thought to ask why your area is called "Down".

An Dún is the correct name. "Down" just comes from ignorant invaders modifying the name phonetically. If you want to also keep the incorrect name alive then that is up to you and the people who live there. It's basically keeping alive a manifestation of the ignorant settlers. But you can't say that the actual, historically correct, name is somehow less valid.

Scots has no legitimacy in your argument. At least no more than Polish or Chinese or any other language.

Counties were, ironically enough, British administrative divisions

Yes...Brandon Lewis will do it soon. He will implement the consensus reached several times and after some more Never Never Never from Unionists equality and normality will stop feeling like oppression to them, and we will carry on.

Ah, so they gave a lot of support to the language before those "30 years of terrorism"?

At what point during those 30 years did they turn against it? Day 1 or at the end of year 30?

Where did I say it would change re: signage? The consensus arrived at includes legislation on a whole raft of provisions to support the Irish language.

Dual Language signage is already happening downcow...all over NI.