Is it true that Irish usage in the Gaeltacht has declined so much that it doesn't deserve special status?

http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/ ... e_id=14654

<Mod>Fixed Link</Mod>

Link doesn't work.

No we should keep the Gaeltacht but should radically alter its boundaries to reflect linguistic reality instead of a 1950's fantasy.

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It's good for tourism. Americans love that "quaint" stuff. It's a good marketing ploy.

Correction in link
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/ ... e_id=14654

"It's good for tourism. Americans love that "quaint" stuff. "

How do you know? And isn't it time people such as you dropped this stupid patronizing attitude to Americans?

Are you honestly trying to tell us that Amercians appreciate the Gaeltacht more than say French or Dutch tourists? If so give some evidence, rather than that same old condescending whine.
GD

Evidence? Is this the High Court?

WH
"Evidence? Is this the High Court?"

No, but since you are unable to offer any evidence for what you say I judge you guilty of being an empty-head who prefers to sneer rather than think.

Unfortunately I have no authority to apply a condign penalty, which in your case might be a three-month ban from making further senseless postings and wasting readers' time.

Another appropriate sanction--again unfortunately beyond my authority--would be for you to do a week's community service showing United States citizens around Ireland. You'd find that most of these folks are smarter than you, though you probably wouldn't be smart enough to realize it.
GD

The Gaeltacht boundaries are getting redrawn within the next year.

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Who stole your soother?

If you don't like my postings, don't read them. There is an ignore function.

As for my opinion. My grandfather was born in New York and was a very proud American. Loving quaintness in a holiday destination is not equivalent with low intelligence.

The fact you think it does says more about you than me.

Irrespective of it's uselfulness to promoting the language, the Gaeltacht areas are a good marketing tool.

My evidence? Merely the opinions of family members and friend who visit from America.

Do you discount their opinions also?

It should be kept in mind that an individual born in America who became Ireland's greatest leader and another person born in Ireland who was Protestant and became the country's first President were both fluent Irish speakers and thus would qualify to purchase property in the Gaeltacht areas today were they still living.

I refer, of course, to Eamon de Valera and Douglas Hyde.