Was Yes vote proof of a liberal Ireland?

John Gordon Swift MacNeill was a prominent Irish nationalist in late 19th century Ireland. As a Professor of Law at the King’s Inns, he taught many well-known political reformers who were early proponents of Home Rule. Swift MacNeill was convinced that the majority of the public had bought into the idea of Home Rule and that it was merely a question of politicians catching up with public opinion.

His 1875 speech to the ...