The fallout of the Parnell split was a major crisis in Politics in 1890 and it left the whole of Ireland divided. With Gladstone’s liberal alliance at risk, many did not want to jeopardize this alliance.1 The fallout for many, was a build-up of anger towards Parnell whilst in Catholic Ireland many could not see surpassed the infidelity that had occurred between Parnell and William O’ Shea’s spouse, Catherine but many stood by Parnell who was seen as a hero , due to the difference he had made and the foundations he had set for Home Rule and without him, Ireland may have been different today. This essay will be an analysis of what caused the Parnell split, the fundamental dividing issues and if the damage that occurred from this in Irish Nationalism was ever repaired. Parnell’s downward spiral began when the Piggot forgeries scandal was released. The Times released a series of news articles on Parnell with one of them entailing that Parnell supported the murders that took place on May 1882 in Phoenix Park. Letters were published in support of this evidence that showed Parnell had involvement in the murders of the Chief Secretary of Ireland, Lord Frederik Cavendish and also the Permanent Under-Secretary, Thomas Henry Burke. A Commission of Enquiry was set up to research these …show more content…
Katherine O’ Shea was William O’ Shea’s spouse but although married in the eyes of the Church, they were separated. William did not want to divorce Katherine, as she was due to receive an inheritance. Thus, they remained married but lived separate lives. Parnell had a relationship with Katherine but was aware she was separated from her husband and he had no underlying motives for his relationship with Katherine. Parnell encouraged the divorce as he loved Katherine and wanted to call her his wife. Katherine, however had complex views on the matter and feared that it would do harm to Parnell’s