The recent demonstration of disloyalty at a meeting of the Limerick Town Council has raised concerns and is far from reassuring. During the meeting, a Councillor expressed disapproval of the idea that the Mayor and other officials of the Corporation should attend events where the Union Jack was displayed or military bands were present. This act of disloyalty was supported by as many as fourteen other members of the Council.

While it is somewhat reassuring to know that a majority of the Corporation opposed the proposal, it is unsettling that fourteen members chose to support an idea that could be interpreted as a display of disloyalty. Additionally, four members abstained from voting, neither expressing patriotism nor opposition to the proposal.

Acts of disloyalty such as these are the ones that linger in public memory, particularly when debates arise about the potential risks to the unity of the kingdom in the context of Home Rule. Such displays of disloyalty contribute to concerns expressed by some that the implementation of Home Rule could pose a threat to the unity of the United Kingdom.

Dundee Courier – Wednesday 24 January 1906