The antagonism between the early settlers and the ” new English ” was in evidence as early as the time of the visit of Prince John and his arrogant courtiers. But the distinction between the ” English by descent ” and the ” English by birth ” was first officially ratified by the decree of 1341.

That decree, as has been seen, was withdrawn in the following year. Its offensive spirit was more definitely and insultingly proclaimed after a lapse of twenty years.

The occasion of this was the first visit of Prince Lionel, the son of Edward III, who was sent over as Lord Lieutenant in 1361— to save ” our Irish dominions ” from being totally lost, said the King. This prince had married the infant daughter of the murdered Brown Earl of Ulster* and in her right he now put forward the claim to the De Burgh possessions in ” Ulster ” and Connacht which had been anticipated by Ulick and Edmond Albanach.

Above: King of England (Edward III)

The English Government quickly realised its weakness in the establishment of these almost sovereign princes, and attempted spasmodically to correct its mistake.   But its efforts to curb  the power of the nobles were lacking in  both strength andconsistency.  

Above : Portrait Of Edward III

During the Autumn Session of Parliament, new rules were drafted and passed to circumvent the obstruction tactics of the Irish Party. Additional powers were given to the Speaker to bring about the close of a debate, when satisfied that ” the sense of the House ” on the subject under consideration had been ascertained, and to check irrelevancy in the speeches. The right of speaking in adjourned debates was also limited.