It is a leap in the dark." (416):--"But it is in the hope that it will strengthen your own Church that you propose it ?"--"No, it is not, by any means.

We are Bishops, but we are Irishmen, also, and we want to serve our country."[26] Equally significant were the statements of Dr.O'Dea, the official spokesman of Maynooth, when he said, I regard the interest of the laity in the settlement of the University Question as supreme.

The clergy are but a small, however important, part of the nation, and the laity have never had an institution of higher education comparable to Maynooth in magnitude or resources.

I recognise, therefore, that the educational grievances of the laity are much more pressing than those of the clergy ...

It is generally admitted that Irish priests hold a position of exceptional influence, due to historical causes, the intensely religious character of the people, and the want of Catholic laymen qualified by education and position for social and political leadership.