Gladstone and the Treaty

A reminder of an inspirational quote by a Liberal leader in a bygone era:

"What do I understand by the Liberal principle? I understand, in the main, it is a principle of trust in the people only qualified by prudence. By the principle which is opposed to the Liberal principle, I understand mistrust of the people, only qualified by fear". W.E.Gladstone. Speeches and Addresses Delivered at the Election of 1865 reproduced in Brack and Ingham (Eds.) Dictionary of Liberal Quotations. Politicos (1999).

We do well, as Liberals, to remember this principle and to have the courage of our convictions at all times.