Sinn Féin councillor Kathleen McGurk has criticised comments by a PUP councillor in East Derry on bilingual signage.

The PUP councillor stated that grinders are waiting for such signage in his area.

McGurk described the comments as reckless and inflammatory. She said they embolden hatred towards the Irish language community.

McGurk noted that hostility and politicisation of the Irish language by some unionists contrasts with its growing strength across the island.

She stated that more people from all backgrounds are embracing the Irish language.

As political representatives, McGurk said there is a duty to match this momentum with visibility, including bilingual street signage.

McGurk pledged to work with parties committed to respect, equality and language rights to protect and promote the Irish language for future generations.