Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has accused SDLP MLA Declan O'Loan of intolerance over his comments on Ulster-Scots.
In his statement Declan O'Loan said:
"The whole concept of a so-called Ulster-Scots language has been inflated to an extent that has become comical. Public documents are being translated into an official verbiage which is non-existent in the real world. There is a genuine Ulster-Scots culture, history and local dialect, but the study of it is being damaged by falsehoods."
Responding Cllr Finlay said:
"Mr O'Loan's description of Ulster-Scots is most unfair and intolerant. The historical links of Ulster-Scots has been traced and proven.
To describe it as 'comical' is a total insult to those in the Unionist community. He also says that it is 'non-existant in the real world'. I wonder what Mr O'Loan therefore thinks of the Irish Language and Culture? Does it exist in the real world?
The fact of the matter is that Ulster-Scots is a recognised language within the European Union. Irish receives a large share of Government funding. Ulster-Scots is entitled to the same rights as Irish.
Does Mr O'Loan believe in equality?" Councillor Finlay added.
15.9.10
