Page:The Irish Parliament; what it was, and what it did.djvu/33

 exertions of the prerogative, influenced by occasional motives, disputes amongst religionists, and inducements of personal favour."

"The mandate of a borough monger," said Curran, "can return any man, however contemptible, however obnoxious, into this House."

"Are there not many among us," said Mr. Thomas Sheridan, "who could not find the way to the place they represent, who never saw a constituent, who were never in a borough, who at times cannot recollect the name of it? He said he did not much relish or deal in anecdotes on serious subjects, but there was one which was true and very apposite. By a courtesy of the House of Commons in England members of the Irish Parliament are admitted to hear the debates. A friend of his, then a member, wishing to avail himself of the privilege, desired admittance. The door-keeper desired to know what place he represented. 'What place.? Why, I am an Irish member.' Oh, dear, sir, we are obliged to be extremely cautious, for a few days ago Barrington, the pickpocket, passed as an Irish member.' 'Why, then, upon my soul, I forget the borough I represent; but if you get me Watson's Almanack I will show it to you.'"