ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the awakening of the Irish Protestant nation as a unique political entity aware of its interests. It details the show of strength between the English and Irish parliaments over the wool industry and exports, focusing on four distinct stages between 1697 and 1699. The chapter scrutinises the drafting and passing of legislation in England and in Ireland, the influence of the wool lobby and the Board of Trade. At the time of the publication of Molyneux’s pamphlet, The case of Ireland … stated, which asserts the distinct rights of the Irish Protestant nation while simultaneously claiming its common culture with England, it was Ruvigny, earl of Galway, a Huguenot favourite of William III, who was leading the Irish administration. Galway, the chapter contends, was a linchpin between the two countries at this time of constitutional crisis. He attempted to divert Irish attention away from wool by promoting the linen industry in Ireland, which was also favourable to the Huguenot refugees in Ireland.
