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Changing Attitudes towards Irish Language and Culture  back
1. The Language Freedom Movement: 1967  
In democratic Ireland one did not expect to see a police presence for security purposes at a public debate on the topic “Can it be shown that replacement of the English language by Irish is for the common good?” Yet the Gardaí were out in force at this Mansion House meeting. Why? The Irish language was an emotive issue as evidenced in this clip by the continuous heckling and the striking contrast in attitudes among the various interviewees. Note the young heckler was physically restrained.

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Related Links
(1) The Language Freedom Movement, Criticism of
(2) The Language Freedom Movement (on Wikipedia)
(3a) Dáil Debate (17 February 1960) on Language Revival: Replacement of Compulsory Methods
(3b) Dáil Debate (resumed 24 February 1960)
(3c) Dáil Debate (resumed 2 March 1960)
(4) Language, Citizenship & National Identity (PDF file)

Credits: Reporters -- Brian Cleeve and John O'Donoghue
Programme -- 7 Days
Language: English
Broadcast: 06/10/1967
Duration: 2'57"
Relevance: Later Modern Ireland, Topic 6
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