In the Limerick Echo on July 15, 1905, it was reported that the Government’s Redistribution proposals, which threatened to reduce Ireland’s parliamentary seats, were withdrawn in Parliament following the Speaker’s ruling in favor of the Leader of the Irish Party. The Opposition and Irish members reacted with ironic enthusiasm. However, the danger is not entirely over, as the Prime Minister, Mr Balfour, announced his intention to introduce a Bill on Redistribution in the next session.

The article highlighted the ongoing struggle for fair representation in Ireland, where English rule had historically been associated with suffering and oppression. The Most Rev. Dr O’Dwyer criticized the Government as a “miserable” administration that aimed to weaken Irish representation despite the country’s grievances.

The hope was that all internal disputes among Irish nationalists would be resolved before the Government introduced the Bill. The Irish Party’s leader sought the counsel and support of every influential nationalist, even those who might not agree on every political matter but recognized the injustice of the Government’s actions.

The piece also mentioned the historical significance of the potential changes to the Act of Union, signed 104 years prior, which had allowed Ireland to voice its grievances in the British Parliament. The writer suggested that repealing the Act and granting Home Rule to the Irish people would be a wiser approach.

Ultimately, the article emphasized the importance of united opposition to the Government’s actions, and the need for a stronger and more determined stance on issues of representation and justice in Ireland.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 18 July 1905