Terence MacSwiney
Terence MacSwiney
Terence James MacSwiney was an Irish playwright, author and politician. He was elected as Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork during the Irish War of Independence in 1920. He was arrested by the British Government on charges of sedition and imprisoned in Brixton Prison. His death there in October 1920 after 74 days on hunger strike brought him and the Irish Republican campaign to international attention.
"In a physical contest on the field of battle it is allowable to use tactics and strategy, to retreat as well as advance, to have recourse to a ruse as well as open attack; but in matters of principle there can be no tactics, there is one straightforward course to follow, and that course must be found and followed without swerving to the end."
"I am confident that my death will do more to smash the British Empire than my release."
"It is not those who can inflict the most but those that can suffer the most who will conquer."
"If I die the fruit will exceed the cost a thousand fold. The thought of it makes me happy. I thank God for it."
"I want you to bear witness that I die as a Soldier of the Irish Republic."
