Gladstone had for some time been convinced of the expediency of conceding Home Rule to Ireland in the event of the Irish constituencies giving unequivocal proof that they desired it.
The general election of 1885 showed that Ireland, outside Ulster, was practically unanimous for Home Rule.
Gladstone was implored to withdraw them, or substitute a resolution in favour of Irish autonomy; but he resolved to press at least the Home Rule Bill to a second reading.
Gladstone brought in his new Home Rule Bill on the 13th of February.
He brought the whole weight of his party to bear in favour, first of the Parliament bill, and afterwards of the Home Rule bill.