QUB Faces Showdown over Irish Language Signage

By Eva Quinn

Over the last week, students have been voting overwhelmingly on whether to reinstate the Irish Language signage in the Student Union. The campaign, originated by An Cumann Gaelach, was described as a “historic opportunity for students to achieve a long-lasting language equality.” [1] The aims of the referendum involved the acquisition of bilingual signage across campus and Irish as the official language of Queen’s, as well as bilingual naming and logo for Queen’s University Belfast. The referendum was held over the week from Tuesday, 10th March to Thursday, 19th March, and only QUB students were allowed to vote.

The referendum resulted in an astounding 91% of students voting in favour of the Irish Language signage to be put back up. The consensus was that students believed that their heritage was being stripped from them and that it was causing a feeling of inequality and underrepresentation. Other students voiced that the inclusion of the Irish language on signs would evolve cultural expression, some noting that the participation of Irish sports, such as Gaelic, was seen as contradictory to the signs being taken down. While the argument of dual citizenship in Northern Ireland had been expressed on multiple occasions, broadly, many students in favour of the “Yes” campaign wanted to see the signs put back up because of a sense of pride; many young people across QUB’s community are proud of their background and heritage, wanting to see that represented. The Student Union have also voiced in favour of the campaign, stating, “a monolingual, English-only campus does not allow for the promotion of good relations and neglects the promotion of the Irish Language as a living language used daily by members of the University community.” [1]

In addition to this, the “No” campaign has argued that they have concerns about the possibility of dual signage. Members of the campaign have expressed that, although they support the democratic outcome of the referendum, it is worth noting that only one fifth of the student body participated. The campaign voiced its frustration with the Student Union to comply with this referendum, having previously denied suggestions of their desire to amend the constitution. The main arguments against the dual signage consisted of feelings of failure to have both nationalist and unionist communities coincide and share one space without either group feeling threatened. Supporters of the “No” campaign believe that Queen’s University has become a “cold house” for unionists and have communicated a want for that label to disappear. 

A spokesperson from Queen’s has commented on the referendum, stating, “student perspectives are a valued part of the University community and contribute to ongoing discussions around inclusion, identity, and cultural expression.” Following An Cumann Gaelach’s request for immediate action to take place after their victory, Queens have stated that they look forward to “working with both commissioners on their proposals to the Northern Ireland Executive, which will help guide the university as it progresses work relating to language, culture and identity and inform our next steps.” The university is now proactively engaging with the executive to enforce what the referendum meant for the university as a whole.

References:

[1] Meredith, Robbie. “Queen’s University Belfast: Irish Language Signs Overwhelmingly Backed by Students.” BBC News, 20 Mar. 2026, www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3d1p5vzl1o