At the annual meeting of the Limerick County Council, held under the chairmanship of Mr I. Vaughan on Monday, a significant resolution on the government of the country was proposed by Mr Coleman. He believed that it was the Council’s duty, as a national body and the premier authority in the county, to express their views on the governance of the country.

Dr Connery raised a point of order, stating that the discussion should adhere to the agenda. However, the chairman intervened and allowed Mr Coleman to explain his proposal, and he moved the suspension of the standing orders to accommodate the resolution.

Mr Coleman then proceeded to propose the following resolution: “That we, the members of the Limerick County Council, hereby demand the restoration of our native Parliament, which, in the words of Mr Gladstone, ‘Our nation was robbed of, by the foulest and most wicked devices that man or the d——l could invent.’ We reiterate in the strongest terms our disapproval of anyone attempting to support the present system of government, as we believe that no quick remedies or changes to the current method will save our country from utter disaster. We pledge ourselves never to rest satisfied until Irishmen are allowed to make their own laws in their native land, independent of all outside influences.”

Mr Gubbins seconded the resolution, and it was put to the Council for a vote. However, Lord Dunraven and Mr Barrington expressed their dissent, stating their disagreement with parts of the resolution. Lord Dunraven raised his protest against such important resolutions being brought up without prior notice and adequate time for consideration.

Despite the dissenting voices, the resolution was declared passed, with Lord Dunraven and Mr Barrington being the dissenters. The Council’s stance in favor of self-governance and the restoration of their native Parliament reflects the strong sentiments among its members regarding the country’s governance and autonomy.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 20 June 1905