But on the other point, which involved gaining satisfaction for Ireland, the appeal was made to Government and the refusal was complete.

It was worse than absolute, for it was tainted with bad faith.

Mr.Asquith as Prime Minister accepted the mutual covenant which Redmond had proposed, and allowed Lord Kitchener to disallow fulfilment of it.
Redmond's view was not limited to Ireland's interest.

No man living in these islands felt more keenly for the great underlying principles at issue in the war.

His mission, as he conceived it, was to lead Ireland to serve those principles.