Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly TD has said that the Irish language must

be placed at the very heart of Ireland’s future, and that successive governments

have failed to deliver the rights, resources, and respect the language and Gaeltacht

communities deserve.

She said that Gaeilge is central to Irish identity and equality, and that as President

she would be a champion for language rights, for the Gaeltacht, and for making Irish

a living language of daily life across the island.

Catherine is visiting Baile Bhúirne today as part of her campaign, where she is

highlighting the importance of the Irish language and the future of the Gaeltacht.

Speaking this morning, Catherine Connolly said:

“The Irish language is not simply a cultural ornament - it is at the very heart of our

identity as a people. Gaeilge connects us with our history, enriches our present, and

offers future generations a sense of belonging and pride. It is a living language of

community, of creativity, and of everyday life - but it is under threat.”

Connolly said that successive governments have failed to deliver the support and

resources needed to secure the long-term future of the Gaeltacht and to make Irish a

language spoken in daily life across Ireland.

“The demands of Cearta are clear and reasonable: equal status and rights for the

Irish language, proper resources for Gaeltacht communities, and an end to tokenism.

The recent huge turnout for Irish language rights has shown that there is a powerful

and growing movement determined to see those demands realised. It is time for the

Irish State to listen and to act.”

Connolly pledged that, if elected, Gaeilge would be central to her Presidency:

“As a proud Gaeilgeoir and a barrister, I am very clear on the Constitution. Article 8

states that ‘The Irish language as the national language is the first official language.’

That is not a symbolic phrase - it is the foundation of our cultural and constitutional

identity. It is important that the President speaks our first language, and ensures that

it is respected and visible at the highest level of our State.

As President, I will ensure the Áras is a home for the language, I will use Irish

consistently and proudly in public life, and I will support communities who keep it

alive. It means not just symbolic words, but practical action to raise up Irish as a

language of equality and belonging.”

She concluded:

“Ní hamháin gur cuid dár stair í an Ghaeilge - is cuid dár dtodhchaí í freisin. Irish

must be part of the Ireland we are building together.”

ENDS

Contact: press@connollyforpresident.ie