Speech of Sir Rowland Blennerhassett, Bart., M.P., in the debate on the second reading of Mr. Fawcett's Bill, August 2, 1871

Abstract

The Bill under discussion is a Bill to alter the constitution of Trinity College, Dublin, and to abolish . Tests in that institution. It has for its object to settle, at least in part, the Irish University Education question. Considering the period of the session at which we are now arrived, it is perfectly clear that this Bill, even if it were satisfactory in every respect, cannot become law. If we pass the second reading and proceed no further, we shall only assent to the principle of the Bill, and thereby pass an abstract resolution on the subject of - Irish University Education. By so doing we shall greatly embarrass ourselves when we come to deal with it, with a view to an immediate settlement. It would be most unfortunate if the House should, by a hasty decision to-day, hamper its future action in a matter of so much importance. It is most undesirable to touch a question of such magnitude, till Parliament is able to give it the time and thought which are absolutely necessary in order to arrive at a satisfactory solution. For these reasons I put on the notice paper the motion I have now the honour to second. If it is carried, we shall not have expressed any opinion on this Bill or its principle. We simply decline to read it a second time at present, and under present circumstances. These reasons would hold good if the Bill were satisfactory as far as it went, but it is in truth eminently unsatisfactory. It is crude in conception and loosely drawn... [Excerpt]