(Part 2) New funding for Irish language - electioneering or a DUP olive branch to Sinn Fein?

Jan 12, 2017, 10:18 AM

Northern Ireland is hurtling towards a snap election just seven months after what was supposed to be a Fresh Start for Stormont. Writing in the Belfast Telegraph today, Martin McGuinness said there will be no 11th hour deal and a return to the polls is "a must". He said: "The people should have the opportunity to have their say and make their voice heard on these issues". The issues her referred to are the Cash for Ash RHI scheme scandal but also the bitter row between the two parties over the Irish language. In his article Mr McGuinness called Communities Minister Paul Givan's decision to cut Irish language funding for kids "bigoted". Now in a remarkable twist this morning, Communities Minister Paul Givan has tweeted a matter of minutes ago that he has found the money. He tweeted: My decision on the Líofa Bursary Scheme was not a political decision. I have now identified the necessary funding to advance this scheme. So what is going on - is this electioneering or are the DUP offering an olive branch to Sinn Fein? Vinny talks to Sinn Fein's Niall Ó Donnghaile, SDLP's Nichola Mallon and we took your calls.