LORD TALBOT DEMALAHIDEpresented a Petition from the Guardians of the North Dublin Union, praying for the establishment of a Royal residence and a National Parliament in Ireland. This Petition, the noble Lord added, was one of importance, for it did not emanate from a set of enthusiasts or professional agitators, but from a body of gentlemen, with many of whom he was acquainted, and who were of the highest respectability, including landed proprietors and commercial men, of all sections in poli- 2 tics, and belonging to all religions. He could not support the entire prayer of the Petition, for he was opposed to the repeal of the Union. Much as he disapproved some recent legislation affecting Ireland, he did not think an Irish Parliament would improve the position of that country. Much, also, as he deplored the evils which absenteeism tended to produce, he did not think they could be dealt with by legislation. There was, however, one part of the Petition in which he fully coincided, and he believed every loyal man was of the same opinion—he meant when the Petitioners declared that it would be greatly conducive to Irish interests if Her Majesty were able to have a residence in Ireland, for her presence would assuredly confer many benefits. He did not desire to attach, undue importance to the Petition; but as a straw might show which way the wind was blowing, so this expression of opinion might indicate to the Government the spirit in which their recent "message of peace" had been received in Ireland.
Petition read and ordered to lie on the Table.