Ivan Yates is a “relic from the past” with his thoughts on the Irish language, according to The Hard Shoulder host Kieran Cuddihy.

He was speaking as Ivan has come in for criticism online after he told The Six O’Clock Show last week that he “couldn't be arsed to learn Irish”.

Presenter Brian Dowling agreed with him and shook his hand, while fellow presenter Fionnuala Jay and guest Síle Seoige voiced their disapproval.

I hadn't planned on speaking on @NewstalkFM today, but I felt compelled to.
This is a complex topic, one which I have plenty of views and thoughts on.
There was not enough time to get into it all here.
& no, still no contact from anyone.
Éist leis anseo...https://t.co/eGGVhDKWdQ

— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) February 14, 2024

Keiran Cuddihy said “tempers are flaring across the board” among those involved in the incident.

“I think it’s fair to say, and we just need to take a little step back and take a deep breath," he said.

“Remember that Ivan Yates - and I say this as someone who worked with, knows and genuinely likes Ivan - has never let the facts get in the way of an opportunity for attention.

“Particularly when he’s flogging something, and he’s flogging a podcast at the moment – so I think everyone needs to remember that.”

Keiran said the Irish language is actually thriving right now, “despite problems with teaching and the attitude of political dinosaurs”.

“The simple reality is that Irish [language] is having a moment,” he said.

“Look at An Cailín Ciúin at the Oscars last year, look at Kneecap this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

“Look at the number of children attending Gaelscoileanna around the country and look at how difficult it often is to get your children into those Gaelscoileanna.

“I have to break it to Ivan, but on this one, it’s not the Irish language that is a relic from the past.”

It comes as Síle Seoige contacted Newstalk earlier today to discuss the incident.

Main image: The Hard Shoulder host Kieran Cuddihy pictured in Newstalk studios today. Image: Newstalk