Now, he was the first to state the case for maintaining Parnell's leadership, and throughout the discussions he led on that side.

When Parnell's death came a few months after the "split" declared itself, there was no hesitation as to which of the Parnellites should assume the leadership of their party.

Redmond resigned his seat in North Wexford and contested Cork city, where Parnell had long been member.

He was badly beaten, and for some three months the new leader of the Parnellites was without a seat in the House--though not during a session.

Another death made a new opening, and in December 1891 his fight at Waterford against no less a man than Michael Davitt turned for a moment the electoral tide which was setting heavily against the smaller group.