Irish Catholics to step up fight for political rights

Anew

group set up by political activist and barrister Daniel O’Connell is to spearhead the campaign for Catholic emancipation - removing the restrictions which stop Catholics becoming MPs and holding other public offices.

The Catholic Association was established at a meeting at Dempsey’s Tavern in Dublin, with fifty wealthier and professional Catholics paying a о guinea each (£1.05) to become founder members.

The new group says it plans to send a delegation to London to meet the King to advance its case. This would capitalise on the warmer relations after George IV’s visit in 1821, the first time a British or English monarch has visited Ireland in peace-time.

Before leaving Ireland, King George was presented with a laurel crown by a kneeling Daniel O’Connell. The King shook Mr O’Connell’s hand and spoke briefly to the de facto leader of Ireland’s Catholics.

The second key change has been the appointment as lord-lieutenant (viceroy) in Dublin of Marquess Wellesley, older brother of the Waterloo hero, the Duke of Wellington. The marquess is viewed as more sympathetic to the Catholic cause and reform.

In February, Mr O’Connell successfully mobilised Catholic tenants to vote for a proemancipation Protestant in the Co. Dublin by-election.