Alderman Joyce, the esteemed member of parliament from Limerick, made a visit to Dundee last night with the aim of inspiring the Irish community in the city to engage in political activism. Known for his authentic Irish charm and eloquence, Alderman Joyce addressed the audience in his splendid brogue. However, to his disappointment, the turnout was relatively small, with the audience not exceeding a few individuals. Mr P. Smith presided over the meeting.

The chairman expressed his dismay at the lackluster attendance and criticised the indifference of the Irishmen in Dundee. He noted that although there were individuals in Dundee with Irish names who considered themselves Irish, in his opinion, they did not embody the true spirit of Irish nationalism. The chairman believed that if they were genuine Irishmen, the Dundee branch of the League would be in a better position than it currently was. He pointed out that there were Irishmen in Dundee who would eagerly rush to shake hands with an important leader but were often not registered members of the League.

A resolution was proposed by Bernard M’Laughlin and seconded by Mr W., expressing regret over W. O’Brien’s decision to resign his seat while hoping that he would continue to support the Irish party with his services. The resolution also conveyed unwavering confidence in the Irish party and its leader, John Redmond. The resolution was unanimously passed by those present.

Alderman Joyce shared his perspective, stating that he had never aspired to be an Irish member of parliament and still did not seek that position. He highlighted the challenges faced by Irish MPs, who had to be prepared to face adversity such as bullets, bayonets, buckshot, and rifles while leading their people. Additionally, they had to spend six to seven months away from their families and friends in London. Alderman Joyce recounted an incident in the House of Commons in March 1901, where the Irish party’s unity prevailed despite attempts to provoke them. He emphasized that the Irish party had earned respect and fear in the House of Commons. The responsible Ministers of the Crown, including the Prime Minister, now acknowledged that the Irish party had been right for the past twenty years while they themselves had been wrong.

Alderman Joyce assured the audience that the Irish party had not violated the truce established during the Land Bill negotiations and had no intention of doing so. However, if the other side were to break the truce, they would face the consequences. The Irish party had not put down their weapons; they had not dampened their resolve. They were eager to see whether English statesmen would, for the first time, honourably uphold their commitments. The outcome would determine whether Ireland would fight to the finish.

The spirited remarks by Alderman Joyce and the resolution passed at the meeting highlighted the continued dedication of Irish nationalists in their pursuit of political rights and recognition. Despite the modest turnout, the event served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle and the determination of the Irish community to hold their ground in the face of adversity.

Dundee Courier – Saturday 05 December 1903