“If I had my way, I’d make them speak Irish.” – Irish MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has stated she would like to see more Irish MEPs speaking Irish to European colleagues when giving speeches.

“Every parliamentarian out there in the European Parliament should be speaking Irish,” Cynthia Ní Mhurchú said when speaking to WLR News.

The Carlow native who represents the Ireland South region says that the national language is a distinguishing aspect of the country.

“Look the Irish language is an integral part of our identity, our independence and our pride in our nation.”

MEP Ní Mhurchú stated that her office has offered help for those who wish to deliver speeches as Gaeilge to European counterparts.

“It’s not that difficult to learn a one minute speech,” she stated.

The 2024 elected representative gave dues to fellow Irish representatives who have previously spoken in the national language in Strasbourg and Brussels. But Ní Mhurchú believes every Irish MEP should try to make a handful of speeches in Irish.

“Fair play to Kathleen Funchion, Aodhán Ó Riordáin and Seán Kelly. But wouldn’t it be great if the 14 MEPs would make an effort to do at least three speeches per year as Gaeilge as a start?”

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