H.H.Asquith, M.P., _Prime Minister_, Assurances reached him that the first tentative Bill for compelling unmarried men to enlist would only be introduced to fulfil a pledge given by Mr.Asquith in connection with the Derby Scheme, and that as the Derby Scheme had not applied to Ireland, the pledge also had no bearing there.

By December 21st the matter was raised in the House of Commons.

Redmond, after the Prime Minister had spoken, defined what he was careful to call "my personal view" on the question of compulsory service.
"I am content to take the phrase used by the Prime Minister.

I am prepared to say that I will stick at nothing--nothing which is necessary, nothing which is calculated to effect the purpose--in order to end this war." He added: "That is the view, I am certain, of the people of Ireland." The whole question was presented by him as "one of expediency and necessity, not of principle." From that standpoint he declared himself unconvinced that the adoption of compulsion in any shape was either expedient or necessary.

It was inexpedient because it would "break up the unity of the country"-- unnecessary because they had already many more men than they could either train or equip.