Campbell Barred From Assembly Over Irish Comments

The DUP's Gregory Campbell has been barred from the Assembly for today, after refusing to apologise for comments he made mocking the use of the Irish language.

On Monday, Mr Campbell began his address to the assembly with the nonsensical phrase "Curry my yoghurt can coca coalyer," which was intended to replicate the sound of the phrase "go raibh maith agat, Ceann Comhairle," which means "thank you Speaker" in Irish.

As a result, he has been barred from the Assembly, despite the fact that he is currently at Westminster.

Mr Campbell explained to Radio Ulster on Tuesday morning: "I have nothing to apologise for and I won't be apologising."

Referring to his Sinn Féin colleagues, Mr Campbell said: :"Why do they feel on every occasion, on every topic, that they have to start in Irish? That's why I did what I did."

But the DUP politician's comments have drawn criticism from other MLAs.

Alliance Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA said: "I was disappointed by the offensive comments made by Gregory Campbell. He was rude and disrespectful to Irish speakers.

"We all know what the DUP's views are on Irish language, there was no need for such inappropriate behaviour.

"It will be interesting over the next few days to see what amendments to the Education Bill, in respect of representation for the Irish medium education sector, are brought forward by the DUP and other parties. My impression is that the DUP do not intend to tolerate any specific reference to Irish medium education in this Bill. Are we going to see yet more petitions of concern?"

SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh said: "The main point which Mr Campbell succeeded in making was that of his own narrow and bigoted attitude towards the Irish language. We had something similar in the past from Sammy Wilson, but even Mr Wilson has grown up since then. Mr Campbell also needs to do some growing up.

"The SDLP will be raising the issue with the Office of the Speaker and will be demanding that Mr Campbell comes before the house to apologise for his disrespectful remarks."

(IT/MH)