1.2.1.1 Isaac Butt and the Home Rule League

• The failure of Stephen's radical uprising encouraged moderates to push for change using constitutional means and reduce their demands. It was believed that a more pragmatic approach would offer greater success
• Rather than seek total independence, the new movement, led by Isaac Butt, sought home rule, whereby a subordinate Irish parliament would govern domestic affairs
• As a Protestant barrister, Butt's nationalism was different to that of the Catholic IRB which portrayed Britain as an oppressor. Instead, he placed greater value on the benefits that a positive relationship with Britain could bring
• Butt established the Home Government Association in 1870, which later became known as the Home Rule League in 1873. It contested in the 1874 general election, winning 60 out of 101 Irish seats
• The failure of Butt's attempt to secure home rule created opposition within his own party. Individuals like Joseph Biggar and John O'Connor Power wanted to follow an obstructionist policy whereby parliamentary activity would be delayed until it gave the League what it wanted
• As the obstructionist policy became increasingly popular, Butt's credibility within his own party diminished and he steadily became marginalised
• For Catholic nationalists, the Home Rule League was an opportunity to achieve reform that had lost influence under Isaac Butt. This shows that the radicalism and nationalism of the IRB continued to exist through the League