The Rathkeale District Council recently conveyed their dissatisfaction with the Budget by forwarding a resolution to Mr William O’Brien, MP.. in response. Mr O’Brien has articulated his support for the protest against what he perceives as the unjust taxation imposed on Ireland.

In his poignant reply, Mr O’Brien expresses his appreciation for Limerick County joining other regions in Munster in denouncing the Budget. He commends the collective stand against what he sees as Ireland being coerced, through the actions of her representatives, into accepting onerous taxation measures dictated by the Budget.

Mr O’Brien underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the danger inherent in Ireland being compelled, against her will, to comply with taxation that he characterizes as merciless. He points out the urgent need for the Irish people to recognize the peril posed by the Budget, which he contends puts Ireland at the mercy of decisions made by her representatives.

The letter delves into the intricacies of the Budget debate, touching upon recent attempts to downplay Ireland’s tax burden. Mr O’Brien references an incident where a member of the Irish Party seemingly sought to present Treasury figures suggesting that Ireland could afford to pay an additional £1,600,000 per year, contrary to the claims made in the Budget.

Furthermore, Mr O’Brien critiques the response from some quarters within Ireland, where he believes blame is misplaced by accusing Mr Lloyd-George. Instead, he contends that the Irish people should scrutinize their representatives, highlighting a previous admission by the leader of the Irish Party in a public speech. This admission acknowledged that it is not Ireland but the Treasury that is adversely affected by the imperial taxation arrangements in place.

Mr O’Brien concludes by drawing attention to a particular night when Mr Lloyd-George claimed that Ireland is undertaxed. This assertion was contradicted by the voting behaviour of Mr Redmond and his Party, who supported the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the division lobby.

In his response, Mr O’Brien emerges as a staunch advocate for Ireland’s fiscal autonomy and a vocal critic of what he perceives as unjust taxation imposed by the Budget. His letter serves as both a rallying cry and a call to scrutiny for the Irish people in the ongoing debate surrounding the country’s financial relationship with the United Kingdom.

Irish Independent – Saturday 12 March 1910