Membership is completely free, giving members unlimited access to all available resources, services, features, and benefits without any restrictions or fees.
Welcome back. Sign in to continue enjoying unlimited access to all available resources, services, features, and member benefits at no cost.
On 15 April 1840 O’Connell launched the National Association of Ireland for Full and Prompt Justice, or Repeal, at Dublin’s Corn Exchange. By July it was being styled the Loyal National Repeal Association of Ireland. The changing name is important: O’Connell did not propose separation from the Crown. He demanded restoration of an Irish legislature while maintaining the monarchical connection with Britain. The word “loyal” was intended to underline that this was to be a constitutional and peaceful campaign, not a preparation for rebellion.
The firmest political turning point of the year came in the Catholic Association’s adoption of what became known as the Catholic Rent. O’Connell had helped found the Association in 1823 to pursue Catholic emancipation: the removal of remaining legal disabilities that excluded Roman Catholics from parliament and important offices. Early in 1824 he advanced a deliberately modest subscription: a penny a month, or a shilling a year, could make a contributor an associate member. The smallness of the payment was the point. It enabled a national political body to draw support from people who could never have afforded the guinea subscription expected of full members.
