Benn questions “fuss” over Irish-language signs

The Northern Ireland Secretary has questioned the “fuss” surrounding Irish language signs at Belfast’s Grand Central Station.

Hilary Benn told BBC News NI the signs were about “respecting and celebrating” all of the traditions, adding that there were “so many more important things than having an argument about signs”.

Benn was responding to the political row over a move by the Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to approve £150,000 for the Irish language signage.

The Infrastructure Minister has said she “stands firm” on her decision despite criticism from the DUP’s Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly.

Little-Pengelly described the handling of the issue as “utterly shambolic”, adding that it was a “significant and controversial” matter which needed Executive approval.

But, Sinn Féin’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, defended her party colleague, insisting it was the right decision and “no one has anything to fear from the Irish language.”

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster, Benn said he didn’t “understand what the fuss is about, because this is about respecting and celebrating all of the traditions”.

“I just think there are so many more important things than having an argument about signs.”

“I mean, come on,” he added.

Work on the new signage at Belfast Grand Central Station has been paused pending the outcome of a legal challenge by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson.

He has lodged papers seeking leave for a judicial review against the Department of Infrastructure over the decision, stating it was taken “without Executive approval”.

Protestors opposed to the Irish language signage also held a demonstration inside the station on Monday night.