Voice of reason: Remembering John Redmond

As we commemorate the centenary of the death of John Redmond, it is time to re-evaluate the contribution to Irish political life of a patriot who has been airbrushed from history.

We owe a great debt to someone who used the force of argument to advance his aims and whose example we should follow today, particularly in Brexit negotiations.

As former Taoiseach John Bruton told British parliamentarians at Westminster in a speech yesterday: “Redmond’s example of courtesy, sincerity, and creative compromise is the best model, for all of us in this small  European continent to follow.”

Bruton also teases parliamentary Brexiteers by comparing their “taking back control” with the “ourselves alone” dogma of Sinn Féin.

Redmond was the main player in limiting the power of the House of Lords to veto legislation from the House of Commons. That was a major constitutional achievement which shows his legacy is as important to Britain as it is to Ireland.

His contribution to politics in Ireland and Britain is enormous and should not be forgotten.