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Christmas in Belfast to be trilingual

Belfast city council agreed to display signs in English, Irish and Ulster Scots over the festive period. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress
Belfast city council agreed to display signs in English, Irish and Ulster Scots over the festive period. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress Belfast city council agreed to display signs in English, Irish and Ulster Scots over the festive period. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress

CHRISTMAS in Belfast will be trilingual this year, after the city council agreed to display signs in English, Irish and Ulster Scots over the festive period.

Ulster-Scots has been introduced as a third language after proposals by Alliance councillor Michael Long received unanimous backing from fellow members of the Strategic, Policy and Resources Committee yesterday.

It follows a series of "negative rows" around language at the council.

Mr Long said it was a pleasant change to see peace and goodwill break out following a hostile atmosphere over the summer.

"After a few months of negative publicity at City Hall, I am pleased that the Christmas spirit seems to be alive and well early as all parties have agreed to an Alliance compromise on Christmas lights which will see signage in English, Irish and Ulster Scots on the front façade of City Hall," he said.

"This will update the current situation which had English on the front and a sign in Irish on the side, which is now in need of replacement.

"I am delighted that we could reach agreement on this language issue, which has so often in the past resulted in division. I would therefore like to be the first to wish you a Happy Christmas, Shona Nollaig and Blythe Yuletide."