Bloodless Revolution

The biography Bloodless Revolution considers the period 1878 -1885 in Sligo, Ireland, through the editorials and articles of Edward Gayer proprietor and editor of the Sligo Champion newspaper. Edward was invited to take on the challenge of turning the moribund, establishment-led newspaper into an organ for Irish Nationalism in the West of Ireland. In particular it was vital that he tackle the pernicious Organism which so dominated all aspects of the administration of the area. Over a 5 year period Edward worked his way into the political establishment such as Poor Law Guardian, member of various local committees and Town Councillor.

From 1879 onwards Edward became a main player in the promotion of the Irish National Land League and in particular his personal goal to ensure land agitation was constitutional and non violent.

Mike O’Sullivan examines how Edward set out to instil courage in the people of Connaught to withstand the many injustices inflicted by the British Administration and land owning establishment, and to have hope and confidence in a free Ireland. Edward’s Nationalist campaign through which he championed Catholic equality and justice for the people, was pursued through a reorientation of the Sligo Champion newspaper which became a voice for fairness for the Irish people and independence for Ireland.