ABSTRACT
Isaac Butt had the dubious distinction of featuring in a 1989 history book, Worsted in the Game. The sub-title, Losers in Irish History, gives an indication of where Butt has been viewed on the historical spectrum in Ireland. However, this brilliant and, at times, tortured figure was a champion of the Irish poor during the Famine, using his knowledge of political economy to carefully critique the policies of the British government. In 'The Famine in the Land', Butt appealed for cross-party unity for the benefit of 'the common country of all'. He believed that there should be a legal right for the Irish poor to receive relief — a right that had not been part of the legislation introduced in 1838. Butt's criticisms were reserved for the Whig Party, which had come into power in June 1846.
