ABSTRACT
The attempts by landlords and their agents to recover arrears of rent and the growing fear of eviction brought the land system increasingly under attack. The successive failures of the potato crop and the general disruption of farming activities made the payment of rent just as heavy a burden for the small farmer as the payment of the poor rate. The deterioration in the relations between landlord and tenant and the clearances, which continued throughout 1847–8, brought a further element of fear and uncertainty into Irish life. State-aided emigration from the poorest areas he believed was imprudent without further enquiry into the employment opportunities overseas. The weakness and lack of unity which characterised the repeal party at Westminster helped to strengthen the resistance of the more radical elements in Ireland to any suggestion that the Irish Confederation should concentrate its activities largely on organising support throughout the country in preparation for any future parliamentary elections.
