In a fervent political address, Mr Joseph Devlin, Member of Parliament, rallied the people of East Limerick, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and emphasizing the critical juncture the country faces in the pursuit of Home Rule.
Amidst cheers and applause, Mr Devlin praised the historical commitment of East Limerick to Irish Nationalism, hailing it as an impregnable fortress that has consistently upheld the principles of the Irish Party. He highlighted the significance of the gathering as a testament to the community’s determination to stand by their principles in the ongoing struggle for Home Rule.
Mr Devlin dismissed assertions from some quarters that the Irish people do not desire Home Rule, pointing to the resounding mandate delivered in the last three General Elections. With confidence, he asserted that Ireland’s demand for Home Rule has been unequivocally registered, evidenced by the Irish Parliamentary Party’s representation of five-sixths of the nation for nearly thirty years.
Addressing potential dissent, Mr Devlin underlined the need for unity among Irish Nationalists, identifying it as the only potential stumbling block on the path to victory. He acknowledged the challenges posed by weak, ignorant, and designing individuals but expressed confidence in the patriotism, political instinct, and intolerance of fraud within the Irish populace.
Reflecting on the trials of the past five to six years, Mr Devlin praised the resilience of the Irish people, emphasizing their vindication of the vital principles of the National Movement. He recalled the call to trust Mr Redmond and the Irish Party, a trust that, he argued, has been justified through the delivery of significant reforms, including the establishment of a National University, old age pensions, and the Land Act of 1909.
Mr Devlin hailed the recent triumph over the House of Lords, describing it as the smashing of the last and greatest obstacle to the passage of Home Rule. With optimism, he suggested that Home Rule, once a matter of a remote future, is now within reach, potentially within the next two years.
Asserting that the Irish Party is a national entity representing all Irish interests, Mr Devlin took a moment to acknowledge the strong representation of labourers at the rally. He highlighted the pride the Irish Party takes in its work for the working class, both in towns and the countryside, acknowledging their pivotal role in past movements such as the Land League.
The speech resonated with a commitment to the rights and dignity of labourers, recognizing their essential contribution to the prosperity and happiness of the entire country. Mr Devlin expressed satisfaction with the strong and efficient organization of agricultural labourers in East Limerick, advocating for unity and harmony among various organizations working towards common goals.
As the rally concluded, the echoes of Mr Devlin’s speech lingered in the air, leaving the people of Limerick with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to the pursuit of Home Rule.
Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 28 October 1911
