Ireland History

Above : Another Picture Of Henry Grattan

It was now pretty evident that the resolutions in their original form had no chance of passing, and that, if the Prime Minister offered them unaltered to the Parliament, nothing but defeat could result. For a defeat, to be followed by a dissolution, Pitt had no desire. He, therefore, to a considerable extent gave way, and the trade proposals which he laid before the Commons on May 12th (1785) were, in several important respects, different from which those to which, some months previously, the Irish House had agreed alteration, not only all the present navigation laws of England, but all those which should pass in the future. However keenly the disadvantages of the first two suggested amendments were felt in Ireland, the full force of the indignation of the Irish Parliament was reserved for the third which was, the members declared, an audacious attempt to deprive i them of a great part of their newly won independence.

Posted on June 11th, 2008 under The Legislation Of Grattan's Parliament. Tags: grattan, irish house of common, irish parliament, prime minister pitt, proposals altered, rejection, solid benefits. Comments: None

Above : Painting Of Fitzgibbon

From the first, considerable misunderstanding seems to have existed between Fitzwilliam and the members of the Cabinet. It does not appear to have been clearly explained to the Viceroy-Elect what the extent of his powers were to be, especially in regard to the appointment and dismissal of high officials, or, if such an explanation was given, it was not understood. Fitzwilliam afterwards declared that he believed himself authorised to make what changes he pleased, except that Baron Fitzgibbon, the Lord Chancellor, was not to be removed. These, and other matters, were discussed at personal interviews of which no note was taken at the time, and the recollections of the several persons present as to what was actually said were found afterwards to differ in many material points. Regarding the attitude which he was to take up in the important matter of the Catholic claims, Fitzwilliam would appear to have received sufficiently explicit directions. He was to endeavour to procure a postponement of the whole matter, if possible, but if that could not be done he was to support it. Yet even as regards this, some misunderstandings arose.

Posted on June 6th, 2008 under The Fitzwilliam Episode. Tags: baron fitzgibbon, catholic question, fitzwiliam, isolated, john claudius beresford, lord chancellor, officials dismissal, prime minister pitt, vicerow. Comments: None