Why did the British Conservative party commit itself so whole heartedly to ulster unionist resistance to home?

Answer 1

You must remember that the name of the Conservative party was, in full, until very recently, 'The Conservative and Unionist Party' (and may still be, I'm not sure). For several Parliaments during the mid-20th century it was only able to maintain a majority in the House of Commons by reason of these Unionist votes. The Liberal Party, during the 19th century and early 20th century was the party which favoured Irish Home Rule. Indeed, had it not been for the sexual goings-on of a leading Home Ruler in the 1880s which shocked the moral Victorians, full Home Rule of the whole of the island of Ireland would have been a fact by the end of the 19th century. Those in the north who were opposed to home rule - because they were protestant and did not want to live in a country that would inevitably be Catholic ruled - found their natural home in the Conservative Party

Answer 2

The guy above has given a full answer, but in addition, the Conservative Party stood for Empire, and was a land owner's party .
The landed gentry in Ireland often preferred to live over here, where the power (and fun) was deemed to be, while the drawing their income from their Irish estates. It was in their interest to keep Ireland whole, and under British Rule.

Answer 3

i give you a clue.Tory-means Irish rebel.

Answer 4

votes