I am often left scratching my head in confusion over some of the opinions held by people in this fine country of ours, most frequently when in relation to the Irish language. There are so many contradictions, such rampant self-shaming, and a severe under-appreciation of the beauty of it. This was made particularly evident during President Catherine Connolly's campaign and inauguration.
The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.
With waiting lists for her classes, everyone from Roz Purcell to The Smashing Pumpkins wants to learn a cúpla focal from Irish teacher Mollie Guidera. She tallks about spreading her grá for the language, the trauma how it was taught inflicted on some and her adults-only Irish college If there was ever somebody who embodies the idea of eating, sleeping and breathing a language, it would be Mollie Guidera.
Former Social Protection Minister also said scrapped green paper on reform of disability payments was only ever a consultation document Former Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has promised to head to the Gaeltacht and learn Irish if she is elected president. On Tuesday, Ms Humphreys was confirmed as Fine Gael's nominee to enter the race for the Áras following MEP Seán Kelly's withdrawal from the party's internal contest.
