Discuss the reasons why British governments were unable to resolve the Irish Question in the second half of the 19th century.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why the Irish Question was unsolved. Some may argue that Irish demands were constantly shifting. During Gladstone’s first ministry the demands were for reform of land tenure and reducing the influence of the Anglican Church. By his second ministry, the demand was for Home Rule. Increasingly violent agitation with the emergence of the Fenians, also made the situation hard to resolve. Government policy was often inconsistent; both the Liberals and the Tories offered reform (Kilmainham Treaty, Land Purchase Act) that was often followed by repression (Gladstone’s Coercion Acts and Balfour’s Crimes Act). Arguably, all governments were hindered by the actions of entrenched interests in parliament such as Anglo-Irish landowners and Anglican Bishops. In 1886 and 1893, Liberal Unionists joined with the Conservatives to block Home Rule. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why British governments were unable to resolve the Irish Question in the second half of the 19th century. Few responses were seen to this question. Of those that were seen, some had good in-depth knowledge. However, weaker responses tended to give narratives and rely on generalisations.