8 June 1886
1st Home Rule Bill

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With the Home Rule Party holding the balance of power in Parliament, Ireland becomes the dominant issue.

In late 1885, with many of their supporters alarmed at the prospect of home rule for Ireland, the Conservatives distance themselves from Parnell. His MPs withdraw their support from the government and the Marquess of Salisbury is forced to resign. Once more, Gladstone forms a Liberal government.

Gladstone, who now sees home rule as the solution to the 'Irish question', introduces a bill to give Ireland a parliament. Its powers would be limited, with Britain keeping control of trade, defence and finance. Gladstone expects opposition from Protestant Ulster and from Irish Protestant landowners. However, he hopes mainland MPs will support the bill.

He is wrong. Many people see it as the first step towards Irish independence and as a threat to Britain's empire. Conservatives furiously oppose the bill, as do some Liberals. The Liberal Party splits, and 92 MPs, calling themselves the Liberal Unionists, vote with the Conservatives to defeat the bill. They include Joseph Chamberlain who, despite being a radical reformer, is also a strong believer in British/Irish union and the empire. From now on, the Liberals are divided into two factions: the Gladstonians and the Liberal Unionists.

In Ulster, anti-home-rule feeling runs high as the Protestant ruling class fears for its way of life. Conservative MP Lord Randolph Churchill visits Belfast and champions the Unionist cause. Riots against home rule break out, and the Ulster Protestants found the Loyalist Anti-Repeal Union.

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