There were three Home Rule crises: 1885-6, 1892-3 and 1912-14. During these periods the Unionist population of Ireland opposed strongly the threat that their country may no longer be part of the United Kingdom, becoming a country in it’s own right. Unionists then as now wanted to remain British.

Ulster Unionists believed that Home Rule was not in the best interests of nationalist Ireland but if that was what nationalist Ireland wanted, ultimately, and albeit reluctantly, they were prepared to waive their opposition to Home Rule, subject only to the proviso that Ulster should not be subject to Dublin rule.

Unionist opposition to Dublin Rule is depicted in this mural, illustrating the price they were prepared to pay for their freedom.