Under the banner of the “All for Ireland League,” Mr William O’Brien has set forth a transformative vision aimed at reinvigorating the national cause. Launched in Cork last week, this league signals a significant step toward the rejuvenation of the national movement, with a focus on unity and cooperation among Irishmen of every class and creed.
The league’s mission is clear: to instill in every Irish citizen the idea that, above all, they are ‘Irishmen first.’ It emphasizes the paramount importance of Ireland in their allegiance and service, urging patriotic citizens to collabourate wholeheartedly in projects that advance the welfare of the nation. In shaping this vision, Mr O’Brien draws inspiration from the teachings of Irish patriots spanning from Wolfe Tone to Thomas Davis and Charles Stewart Parnell.
The league’s program advocates for unity, encouraging the shedding of prejudices and the reconciliation of differences. It calls for resolute dedication to the immediate tasks at hand while keeping high ideals at the forefront. The ultimate goal is to lay the foundations for Irish prosperity and establish a condition where the Irish problem can be solved with the consent and goodwill of both English parties.
The timing, according to Mr O’Brien, is ripe for the emergence of a broad-based national movement that seeks to unite rather than divide. With the United Irish League fading in some counties, the field is open for the efforts of the new league. It stands as a non-hostile force, aiming to take advantage of the current circumstances that present one of the brightest prospects in Irish history.
Crucial elements contributing to this opportune moment include the disestablishment of the Church, local administration in the hands of the people, resolution of the University difficulty, and the Wyndham Act abolishing landlordism in half of Ireland. The league envisions a synthesis that incorporates various elements, from the Presbyterian farmers of the North to the Orange democracy and the liberal-minded in Dublin’s mercantile and professional classes.
Emphasizing the need for a constructive policy, the league aims to cooperate with diverse groups, including members of the Gaelic League, tenant farmers, and the trading community. It places special emphasis on tolerance for differences of opinion, extending generosity to the Protestant minority. Noteworthy is the collabouration with Sinn Féiners in Cork during the formulation of the league’s program in Dublin, signaling potential widespread support.
As the league seeks to sweep the vast majority of Irishmen into its orbit, it anticipates a future where the question of Irish self-government will find almost unanimous support in Ireland. In this favorable environment, the All for Ireland League seizes its opportunity to usher in a new era of collabouration, unity, and shared prosperity for the nation.
Westminster Gazette – Wednesday 03 March 1909
