Ulster-Scots language concept is 'comical' - Declan O'Loan

While he represents the area of Northern Ireland most closely associated with ‘Ulster-Scots’ heritage and culture, Mr. O’Loan has questioned the bid by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure to fund an Ulster-Scots Academy at a time when funding is being cut for arts and sports organisations.

Now his comments have been castigated by Lord Laird of Artigarvan, a leading player in the Ulster-Scots movements and a man with family roots in the village of Kells.

Mr. O'Loan, who is Deputy Chair of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, said: "This bid for funding for an Ulster-Scots Agency is surely inappropriate. The project has been delayed because it lacks definition and even those involved in Ulster-Scots issues disagree fundamentally about it.

“The whole concept of a so-called Ulster-Scots language has been inflated to an extent that has become comical. Public documents are being translated into an official verbiage which is non-existent in the real world.

“There is a genuine Ulster-Scots culture, history and local dialect, but the study of it is being damaged by falsehoods.

"At the same time the department has presented figures showing its budget cut from 109 million to 92 Million by 2014/15. Arts and sports organisations will take the bigger share of that 17 million reduction. That will have a massive effect on jobs and output in those sectors. What then can be the case for asking for 2 million per year for an Ulster-Scots Academy?"

"When I asked officials about this at the Committee, I was told clearly that it was the desire of the Minister. It appears that this project is entirely politically driven and is not based on a sound case."

Lord Laird, in a letter written in response to Mr. O’Loan’s statement, said: “Some unworthy comments have been recently made about Ulster Scots by Irish nationalist politicians. As one whose ancestors came from Kells and who were very proud of their Ulster Scots background, I was disappointed.

“One of the gentlemen concerned is Ballymena’s own Declan O’Loan. On many issues I agree with MLA O’Loan which makes me all the sadder when he lets himself down by attacking a culture which is not his.

“Keep calm and remember that Ulster Scots people are thinkers on an outwards looking perspective. Seventeen of us make it to be President of the United States. Very many more played a vital part in the creation of the modern world we live in today. This is because we are not inward looking and narrow which is the point of nationalism. We do not live in a concept of exclusion and keeping apart from other cultures.

“Declan has underlined once again the narrow out of date think of nationalism.

It has been clear for some time that many politically active Irish Nationalists lack self confidence in themselves and their culture. Of course Irish exists. Of course it should be supported. But on a bases of equality with Ulster Scots as outline in the Belfast Agreement of 1998.

“We must redouble our efforts to bring those Irish who do not have self confidence about their identity with us into the twenty-first century of equality. All cultures are equal and demand respect and not have fun pocked at them.

“Target the Irish with kindness and encourage them to join the modern world. By so doing we will be acting in the spirit of Ulster Scots openness.”