THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Carson severs ties with Trinity to stand for Duncairn

Sir Edward Carson speaking in January 1913Sir Edward Carson speaking in January 1913
Sir Edward Carson speaking in January 1913
From the News Letter, November 22, 1918

The News Letter had been wired correspondence from London detailing Sir Edward Carson’s intention to stand as a candidate for Duncairn in Belfast at the forthcoming election.

The correspondence read as follows: “Sir Edward Carson’s acceptance of the invitation to stand for the Duncairn division at the coming election will give keen satisfaction in Belfast and Ulster in general. It is, of course, a decision that had been taken only after anxious consideration. Not without wrench does a man sever Parliamentary ties that for 26 years have existed between him and his alma mater, and the change will be felt no less severely by his old constituents. Nevertheless, the arguments in favour of the step difficult – if not impossible – to ignore. The trend of Irish politics during recent years has rendered them increasingly cogent. So close, indeed, is the bond that connects Ulster and her leader that its completion – in the direction now indicated – comes in the natural order of things.”

Belfast’s gain, however, was Trinity College’s loss added the correspondent.

The Lord Edward Carson Statue in the grounds of Stormont in Belfast. Picture: Niall Carson/PA WireThe Lord Edward Carson Statue in the grounds of Stormont in Belfast. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The Lord Edward Carson Statue in the grounds of Stormont in Belfast. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

They wrote: “Already I hear of something akin to consternation among Sir Edward’s present constituents. Nor is this due only to the contemplated severance of a relationship in which each party has taken a personal pride.”

Trinity now faced the task of selecting a new candidate that the Unionist electorate can rally behind.

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