That was Redmond's policy and it was the statesman's.

Nationalist Ireland was perfectly ready to adopt the ideals which moved the British Empire at home and overseas in the war: but first the British Empire must show that it respected the ideals of Nationalist Ireland.

The Empire's statesmen did so: the British democracy did so: but Lord Kitchener stood in the way.
From Ulster, it was clear that immediate cordial co-operation could not be anticipated.

Yet Redmond had implicit faith in the ultimate effect of comradeship in danger, and here we know he was right.

He was to pay a heavy price in blood for the seal set upon that bond; but in the end the seal was set.