Article content continuedMacdonald took this position at a time when most Canadians, and none more so than the powerful Orange Order, wanted draconian measures against Irish revolutionaries. Even some radical Irishmen in Canada regarded him as a force of moderation in the face of Orangemen who were out for blood. In part it stemmed from a principled belief that “this is a country of law and order.” But there were also powerful pragmatic considerations. He was anxious to avoid an anti-Irish Catholic backlash that could culminate in escalating ethno-religious tensions and turn Canada into the Ireland of North America. Orange-style repression would drive them away from the Conservatives towards the Reformers — and keeping the Conservatives in power was always at the front of his mind.

Source: National Post January 11, 2021 11:03 UTC