| Description | This collection spans the activities of the Language Freedom Movement from soon after its inception in 1966, until 1974 when its activities drew to a close. It consists of files of press releases, speeches, correspondence, ephemera, and press cuttings, which document the work of the LFM in opposing the policy of Irish language revival through methods of compulsion. Press releases and texts of speeches address the education system, political agendas on language policy, as well as more philosophical issues such as civil liberties and nationalism. There are files of correspondence that took place among members and sympathisers, dialogue with supporters of Irish language restoration, and correspondence with representatives of public bodies. Working documents such as drafts for publications and notes for speeches are included, as well as ephemera, for example leaflets that were handed out during the 1968 by-elections, the LFM's statement of policy, and guidelines on forming a branch of the LFM. Press cuttings, some organised in scrapbooks, and some retained loosely, cover themes such as government policy, education, civil rights, and negative and positive coverage of the LFM.
The collection taken as a whole offers an insight into the passions and frustrations that were felt strongly on both sides of the Irish language debate, and provides a fascinating view into an exciting decade of social change in Ireland. |