Heather Humphreys Pledges to Learn Irish Again Amid Criticism

UPDATE: In a surprising turn, Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael presidential candidate, has vowed to improve her Irish language skills if elected, reigniting criticism from Gaeilgeoir circles. Humphreys stated, “I promise that if I am elected as president, I will return to the Gaeltacht and I will learn Irish,” during a recent Newstalk interview.

This announcement comes a staggering 11 years after she first pledged to enhance her Irish proficiency while serving as Minister for Arts and Heritage. In July 2014, she made a similar promise, stating she would “brush up on her Irish” but later admitted during a Culture Night event that she had not yet started lessons.

Critics are quick to point out that this is not her first lapse. By 2016, she faced backlash for declining meetings with Irish-language organizations and interviews on Raidió na Gaeltachta. Reports indicated that her busy schedule prevented her from engaging with the language she claimed to cherish. “A spokesperson for the Minister said she declined the invitation because she cannot speak Irish,” a report noted at the time.

The Gaeltacht, an area crucial for the preservation of Irish culture, has faced ongoing challenges, and many feel that a president who cannot speak the language could deepen the crisis. While there is no requirement for presidential candidates to be fluent in Irish, the repeated promises from Humphreys have raised eyebrows.

Amidst the political discourse, other notable figures in Ireland are also making headlines. Patrick Collison, co-founder of payment processing company Stripe, recently shared an extensive analysis on the Irish Enlightenment on social media, sparking interest among his 559,000 followers. His insights highlighted the impact of historic thinkers on modern economics and public policy, emphasizing the importance of remembering Ireland’s intellectual heritage.

On a different note, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar launched his memoir, Speaking My Mind, where he openly critiques political figures like Boris Johnson, calling him “the nastiest person I have ever come across in public life.” His remarks drew audible reactions from attendees at the launch, emphasizing the ongoing political tensions in Ireland.

As the presidential election approaches, the focus shifts to how candidates like Humphreys will navigate their promises and public perception. With the Gaeltacht crisis unresolved and the Irish language facing challenges, the electorate will be watching closely to see if Humphreys can turn her words into action.

WHAT’S NEXT: The upcoming election will determine whether Heather Humphreys can restore confidence in her commitment to the Irish language. As the campaign unfolds, public scrutiny will likely intensify, keeping her promises in the spotlight.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the election date approaches.