At a recent gathering in East Limerick, Mr T. Lundon, Member of Parliament, delivered a speech concerning the stance of the Irish Party regarding the ongoing Irish question. Presiding over the monthly meeting of the United Irish League’s executive committee, Mr Lundon cautioned against undue optimism regarding any imminent resolution. He emphasized that negotiations were solely within the purview of the British parties, with the Irish Party having withdrawn from active involvement.
Mr Lundon clarified that the temporary partition proposals, previously endorsed by the Party in July, were no longer viable. He asserted that any settlement must afford Northern nationalists equivalent rights and liberties to those enjoyed by their counterparts in the South and West. Financial considerations, he stressed, demanded meticulous examination, advocating for autonomy akin to recent grants to India and self-governing colonies.
Expressing anticipation for forthcoming government proposals, Mr Lundon asserted the Party’s readiness to critique and reject any unsatisfactory terms. He underscored the hope for a definitive resolution to the longstanding conflict, urging English ministers to seize the opportunity for reconciliation. However, he warned that failure to do so would compel the Party to vehemently advocate for Irish interests both domestically and internationally.
Acknowledging the possibility of an early election, Mr Lundon acknowledged the challenging landscape, with the spectre of a confrontational contest between English forces and Irish constitutionalists looming. He referenced the openly expressed desires of figures like Sir Edward Carson for the dismantling of the Nationalist Party, alongside the aspirations of Sinn Féin supporters for a transformative electoral outcome.
Despite the inherent risks, Mr Lundon affirmed the Party’s commitment to facilitating a democratic mandate, even if it meant existential consequences for entrenched political entities. He condemned recent instances of electoral malfeasance in East Limerick, expressing hope that such tactics would find no traction in other constituencies.
In his address, Mr Lundon provided a measured assessment of the Irish Party’s position amidst evolving political dynamics. His remarks underscored the Party’s determination to advocate for Irish interests while navigating the complexities of domestic and international politics. As the Irish question continues to reverberate, the sentiments expressed in East Limerick offer insights into the ongoing quest for resolution and reconciliation.
Freeman’s Journal – Friday 13 April 1917
