"I am convinced that it is their policy, as well as their duty, and I am sure it is their disposition, to maintain a perpetual connexion with the British Empire. To keep clear of every association with wild projectors for universal suffrage and annual Parliaments, and continue to cultivate those gracious dispositions in the Royal Breast which had been early manifested in their favour, and to accept of emancipation upon the terms that are substantial and honourable. Pursuing such a principle, and with the temper and conduct which they are manifesting, and which I am proud to contemplate, they must succeed. They desire a privilege to worship their God according to the best of their judgment, and they have a right to do so with impunity, and without the interference of the state. I shall go to England for your question, and should the attempt prove less fortunate to my health, I shall be more than repaid by the reflection that I make my last effort for the liberty of my country."
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Members of the Parliament of the United KingdomPoliticians from IrelandPeople from DublinAnglicansWhig (British political party) politicians
Original Language: English
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Reply to the deputation appointed by the meeting of Roman Catholics (13 May 1820), quoted in Miscellaneous Works of The Right Honourable Henry Grattan (1822), p. 386
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Henry_Grattan
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Henry Grattan
Henry Grattan (3 July 1746 – 4 June 1820) was an Irish politician and lawyer who campaigned for legislative freedom for the Irish Parliament in the late 18th century from Britain. He was a Member of the Irish Parliament (MP) from 1775 to 1801 and a Member of Parliament (MP) in Westminster from 1805 to 1820. He has been described as a superb orator and a romantic. With generous enthusiasm he demanded that Ireland should be granted its rightful status, that of an independent nation, though he alwa
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