Threat isan attackon ourdemocracy

The First Minister Peter Robinson has condemned the death threat made against DUP MLA Gregory Campbell.
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Speaking in the Assembly on Monday, Mr Robinson stated: “When there is a threat against anyone who represents the local community as a democratically elected representative, it is an attack on democracy itself.

“I trust that the early knowledge that the police have of the issue will help them to prevent anything arising from it, but I certainly condemn it completely.”

The First Minister also said he was sure the East Londonderry MLA would not be deflected or deterred by the threat.

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“I know that the Member for East Londonderry will not be deterred from doing the good job that he does for his constituents in East Londonderry, both here and in Parliament,” he said.

UUP MLA Ross Hussey suggested those behind the threat could actually discourage members of the unionist community from learning Irish.

“Does the First Minister agree that the history of the Irish language is associated very closely with the Presbyterian Church?

“In fact, the Presbyterian ministers kept that language alive.

“Does he agree with me that such an attack on Mr Campbell would make the support for the Irish language within the unionist community step back because of what they see as terrorism being associated with the Irish language?” asked Mr Hussey.

Mr Robinson replied: “It certainly would be counterproductive. I have to say that I do not point the finger at those who have a real and genuine interest in the Irish language.

“I suspect that the culprit is someone who perhaps could not care less about the Irish language except for using it for political purposes. Yes, the Irish language does have a history that has roots in Presbyterianism in Ireland, as it then was.

“It is a perfectly honourable entitlement for anyone to advance the Irish language and speak it. Of course, we respect those who do. We really need to separate and recognise the difference between support for the Irish language and those who want to use the Irish language for political purposes.”

Asked if he would consider asking Mr Campbell to withdraw the remarks he made at the DUP conference, Mr Robinson said: “I think that we really do need to distinguish between lampooning those involved in a political campaign related to the Irish language and those who genuinely speak the Irish language.

“I have known Gregory Campbell for decades, and I know his dry sense of humour as well. I am pretty sure that he was pointing the finger at those who, in my view, politically abuse the Irish language.

“Frankly, they set back the prospect of acceptance of the Irish language among many other sections of the community. I am fully supportive of those who enjoy speaking the Irish language, its richness and the culture surrounding it.

“They must be protected. However, when it starts to get drawn into the political realm, we start to undermine and dilute the importance of the language. As a matter of interest for those who are speakers, the more we can do to depoliticise the Irish language, the greater acceptance there will be of that language in the community.”