But this is a futile speculation, for had he been in power the situation would never have arisen.
The decisive thing which drove most of the relatively small number among the Volunteers who broke away from Redmond into their original hostility was Government's failure to recognize them.

Their force stood in their own eyes for the assertion of Ireland's nationality; and many of those who took active part in the rebellion were at the outset fully prepared to assert that nationality in jeopardy of their lives in the Allied cause.

Redmond's policy, had effect been given to it by the Government, still more had he himself been invested with the right to embody it in action, would have prevented the estrangement of all but a very few.
Once the estrangement took place, however, I think that he undervalued what was opposed to him, both in respect of its power and of its quality.

He lacked appreciation and respect for the idealists whose ideals were not his own.

He underrated their sincerity, and the danger of their sincerity.