Limerick, Ireland – A recent meeting of the Limerick Cooperation, held under the presiding authority of Mayor Alderman, has brought to light deep-seated concerns regarding nationalist intolerance and covert threats to Unionists in the region. Councillor M., addressing the gathering, sought permission to make a personal statement, expressing regret over the silence of fellow citizens in the face of slanderous accusations circulating both within the city and across England.

The accusations, described as gross and persistent, have prompted only a feeble response, with even some English Tory Catholics failing to condemn them. While acknowledging honourable exceptions, Councillor M. criticized the majority for standing by and allowing political agendas to be advanced through lies and vilification. Attempting to maintain a dispassionate perspective, he found it impossible to ignore the apparent intolerance prevailing in both the council and the city.

In an effort to illustrate the tolerant history of Catholics in Ireland, Councillor M. highlighted instances where persecuted sects from England and America found asylum in the country. He emphasized that Catholics in Ireland had never persecuted anyone for conscience’s sake and would continue to uphold principles of equality for all.

However, concerns were raised about the potential misunderstanding among Unionists under Home Rule. Councillor M. clarified that if Unionists presented reasonable schemes for equality, Catholics would support them. Yet, he expressed fear that some Unionists were seeking ascendancy, a prospect that he firmly stated they would not attain.

The discussion took a personal turn as Councillor O’Callaghan addressed an article from a Scotch newspaper that alleged intolerance in Limerick. In an attempt to dispel the accusations, he revealed interactions with deputations from Scotland and Nottingham who visited Limerick to gain a political perspective.

During their visit, these deputations met with a local agent who was Conservative and Mr Goodbody, a Unionist. Mr Goodbody, suggesting a balanced view, recommended hearing the Nationalist side as well. Councillor O’Callaghan, though not holding any bias for Mr Goodbody, commended him for engaging in straightforward discussions with the deputations. He clarified that Mr Goodbody’s actions were commendable and in line with fair practices.

Now that these slanders have gained traction, Councillor O’Callaghan proposed that the Mayor convene a meeting specifically for Unionists to protest against the allegations. He urged Unionists in Limerick to consider the matter carefully, refuting the claims not for political reasons but because it was the right thing to do.

However, a suggestion was made that Catholic Unionists should not be invited to the meeting, leading to a brief discussion on religious tolerance. Councillor J. P. Lynch alluded to the importance of religious tolerance, and the meeting concluded with an adjournment.

As Limerick grapples with accusations of nationalist intolerance and covert threats to Unionists, the city finds itself at a crossroads, where principles of equality, religious tolerance, and fair representation are under scrutiny. The aftermath of this meeting will likely shape the narrative surrounding Limerick’s political landscape in the coming days.

Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 07 March 1914