The Evolution of Sinn Fein

by Robert Mitchell Henry

Overview

Thus there gradually developed during the nineteenth century the Unionist and the Nationalist parties, the former upholding the legislative Union though not averse (upon pressure) to the concession of administrative reforms: the latter under many forms claiming in greater or lesser measure the abolition of the fons et origo malorum, the withdrawal from the people of Ireland of the right to an independent legislature. The historic claim to complete independence has on many occasions been modified in theory or abated in practice by the National leaders: but a survey of the history of Ireland since the Union shows that, with whatever apparent abatements or disguises the claim may have been pressed, there has always been deep down the feeling that behind the Union lay the Conquest, the hope that to repeal the one meant a step upon the road to annul the other.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789361428906
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	02/01/2024
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.36(d)

About the Author

Robert Mitchell Henry is a renowned author noted for his penetrating explorations of political history, notably in Ireland. His masterpiece, "The Evolution of Sinn Fein," provides a thorough examination of the renowned political force from its inception to its contemporary significance. Henry dives into Sinn Fein's complicated growth, tracing ideological transformations, strategic shifts, and watershed moments throughout history. From its grassroots origins as a revolutionary movement pushing for Irish independence to its rise as a major political force impacting current Irish politics, Henry's study illustrates the complexity and nuances of Sinn Fein's journey. Through rich narrative and fascinating analysis, he gives readers a better grasp of the social, cultural, and political forces that have influenced Sinn Fein's trajectory over time. Henry's experience and scientific approach make "The Evolution of Sinn Fein" a must-read for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in the growth of Irish nationalism and the larger dynamics of political movements.

Read an Excerpt

SINN FEIN Of the origin of this name as the title of a political party a pleasant tale is told. It is said that some people, convinced that (in the words of Davis) " the freeman's friend is Self-Reliance," and wishing to make it the basis of a national movement, being anxious for a suitable Irish name for such an idea, applied to a famous Irish scholar to furnish it. He told them a story of a country servant in Munster sent with a horse to the fair. The horse was sold and the servant after some days appeared in his master's kitchen, worn out but happy, and seated himself on the floor. To the inquiries of some neighbors who happened to be there, as to where he had been and what he had done, he would give no answer but " Sinn fein sinn fein." The prodigal servant's witty reply eludes the translator. To his hearers it conveyed that family matters were matters for the family: but it was no mere evasion of a temporary or personal difficulty. It was the expression of a universal truth. Society is divided into groups, large or small, which have their own problems and their own interests. Their problems they can best solve themselves, and of their interests theyare themselves the best judges. The solutions and the judgments will not always commend themselves to outsiders; but though outsiders cannot be denied the right to hold and to express their opinions they have no rights of veto or of interference. This right of independence, however, is subject in practice to serious limitations, and the history of human society is largely the history of the reconciliation of the competing interests and claims of social groups, each claiming to be in the last resort rightfully independent. One ofsuch groups is the nation, and it is generally recognized that nations as such have rights analogous ...