Sinn Fein proposed at a Belfast City Council meeting on Tuesday that councillors vote on Irish language street sign applications failing to meet the 15% resident support threshold. The current policy requires support from at least 15% of householders on a street for signs to proceed. Applications below that level are discarded automatically.

Sinn Fein Belfast group leader Ciaran Beattie stated that council policy likely violates legal standards by not allowing politicians discretion to approve such bids. He referenced a judicial review from over a decade ago on dual-language sign policy.

DUP council group leader Sarah Bunting said Sinn Fein aims to install Irish signs without local support. She called the 15% threshold flawed and undemocratic. Bunting added that processes matter only when results suit Sinn Fein, citing examples like planning for terrorist memorials.

TUV councillor Ron McDowell described the move as cultural imposition rather than inclusion. He noted the policy already eases dual-language sign approvals. McDowell argued resident opposition should be respected.

A recent east Belfast street survey showed 15.66% support and two-thirds opposition. Sinn Fein sought approval twice despite the majority against.