Bruton’s allegiance shows disdain for united Ireland

Former taoiseach John Bruton’s recent statement that he is a Redmonite and his call for the government to mark the centenary of the passing of the Third Home Rule Bill calls into question his political allegiance during his tenure as taoiseach.

John Redmond’s preferred version of Home Rule was one of subordination to the union, empire and monarchy... Redmond favoured devolution over secession. By publicly aligning himself with Redmondism, Mr Bruton clearly expresses his disdain for and rejection of a united Ireland.

Mr Bruton must be aware that Redmond was a zealous admirer of the British House of Commons and sought only limited Irish self-government, considering it undesirable that Britain and Ireland be separated as he had no wish to see the dismemberment of the British Empire. The home rule which Redmond aspired to was a participation which gave the delusion of self-government. John Redmond was prepared to buy this version of home rule with the blood of 35,000 young Irishmen whom he called on to join the war effort to fight for freedoms which Ireland was being denied.