The Irish Language — Litmus Test for Equality? Competing Discourses of Identity, Parity of Esteem and the Peace Process

Abstract

This paper analyses the entry of the Irish language into the political debate on the peace process in Northern Ireland. The background to the Irish language revival in terms of the representations provided by West Belfast Gaeilgeoirí (Irish speakers and learners) themselves and the competing discourses associated with the Irish language are discussed. Finally, the issue of rights for Irish speakers and parity of esteem are dealt with as part of the peace process debate.