Larkin presents an original thesis on the development of the modern Irish state, maintaining that Parnell forged a de facto state that was strengthened and consolidated before the conventionally accepted dates for the emergence of the Irish state. This unique political system survived attacks by the British Conservative government and Parnell's own challenge to the system and his subsequent defeat. Larkin argues that Parnell's failure lay in the power of his system to transcend its creator.

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