For the empty homes on her golden plains, for the hope of her future too. Every man since Adam has been entitled by right to his share of the earth and the fruits of his labour . . . Force or trickery has deprived the great majority of every generation of that right . . . In Ireland and throughout the world today the majority of men have no absolute right to a share of the earth's fruits. Every man must be an owner to be free.
National strength needs central government.
Personal freedom needs decentralised control. A healthy nation needs both ownership by the people of all industries and a central government to co-ordinate their activities is the solution. To accomplish this the Irish people must have in their hearts the enthusiasm of Pearse, the devotion of Connolly, the anger of Mitchel, the heroism of Emmet and the faith of Tone. To inspire them so and to lead them is the task we have before us . . .