In a recent address delivered at an assembly of the United Irish League in Athlone, Mr John Redmond, Member of Parliament, underscored the critical juncture facing the National movement in Ireland. Urging a collective commitment to transcend personal disputes and historical disagreements, he expressed concerns over potential legislative developments anticipated from the Government concerning Ireland. Mr Redmond, echoing his earlier sentiments voiced in Limerick, stressed the imperative to safeguard venerable national landmarks and to dispel any notion of waning or altering the Irish national demand.
Addressing the Liberal Party, Mr Redmond asserted that tackling the issue of Irish self-governance required the courage and acumen of individuals comprehending the unique nature of the task at hand. Emphasizing the peril of formulating a constrained and convoluted plan that might crumble even if earnestly implemented by the national representatives, he warned of the potential disintegration of the National Union and the demoralization, if not obliteration, of the National Party. Mr Redmond believed he was rendering a valuable service to the Liberal Party and the Government by highlighting these dangers before they became insurmountable.
Concerns were raised by Mr Redmond about a Liberal newspaper advising the Imperial Parliament to disregard the majority opinion of elected representatives and to enact measures contrary to that consensus. He urged those Liberals adhering to true Liberal principles to ponder the inadvertent direction they might be led. While acknowledging the formidable practical obstacles confronting the Government on the issue of Irish self-governance, Mr Redmond earnestly proposed that a bolder and more statesmanlike scheme, embodying the principle of national self-government, would find smoother passage through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. He contended that a feeble and hesitating proposal, even if approved, would inevitably culminate in failure and only further complicate the Irish question.
Expressing confidence in the Prime Minister as a committed Home Ruler and an upright individual, Mr Redmond extended this sentiment to the Chief Secretary. However, he felt compelled to remind the Government that the aspirations of Ireland remained steadfast and unalterable. Insisting that only a free Parliament, equipped with an accountable Executive, could resolve the Irish predicament and satisfy the claims of Irish Nationalists, Mr Redmond pledged the Irish Party’s scrutiny of the Government’s proposed scheme through the lens of advancing the Home Rule cause.
Mr Redmond concluded by assuring the Government of his party’s sincere desire to support their scheme when the time came, provided it aligned with Home Rule principles. He underscored the unwavering nature of Ireland’s expectations and cautioned that, should the scheme prove inadequate, the Irish Party and the Irish people would muster the courage to disavow it, regardless of the endorsements it might receive from misguided compatriots.
Morning Post – Monday 08 October 1906
