Jim,
"The DUP were happy for the language to be recognised, "
Nope - Forster was prepared to compromise but her party kicked it into touch

Jim, the DUP position is that the Irish language should be recognised but also Ulster Scots.
Sinn Fein's intolerant, belligerent and sectarian position is that the Irish language only can be recognised and nothing else is acceptable.

Here are the relevant quotes from the Guardian;


"He (Sinn F?in's national chairman) said that only a "standalone" Irish Language Act that excludes other languages spoken in Northern Ireland from this legislation was acceptable."

"The former first minister (Robinson DUP) stressed that an Irish Language Act "can be accommodated" as long as Ulster Scots is also supported in the same legislation.
Robinson continued: "It is entirely legitimate for Sinn F?in to press for an Irish Language Act and of course there is every need for all the parties to respect, and where possible, accommodate differences. but that can never be a one-way street."
"There is no credibility in asserting your need to have your culture respected if you blatantly disrespect that of others.

"So let's see a sensible deal. Who can complain if there are those who cherish the Irish language or who passionately support Ulster Scots culture? Who would find it unacceptable for arrangements to be put on a statutory basis to protect and support both? Both can be accommodated."
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/27/irish-language-act-hampering-northern-ireland-power-sharing-talks