Was Russell Effective?

Was Russell Effective?

Russell was an effective Prime Minister by reason of the fact that he was capable in changing issues in Ireland, even though Russell was under the difficult circumstances with a minority in the Commons. Some may comment on Russell not being effective in Ireland, though what they don’t see is that Russell was successful in Ireland due to the fact that he had made crucial changes, which help the Irish. He was also able to kept his party content even though he had governed for a six-year period with a minority in parliament.  

One could argue that Russell was most successful in the changing of Ireland. With the issues concerning Ireland, Russell was able to manage to take most of Peels ideas and develop them into making them better so that they would benefit the Irish. In the time that Russell had spent with issues relating to Ireland he was able to pass a considerable amount of reforms, which had changed life in Ireland altogether. Unlike Peel, Russell was able to change Corn Laws and also as a relief he also sent out £7 000 000. This was a very munificent and generous bequest. This was the beginning of a rein of success for the reason that this had now started to change the Irish citizens opinions of the English. He also tried to remodel the idea of compensation for the people who rented land. This was known as the Tenant Right Bill, which stated that, the Irish people should get more security and better rights for their land that they owned. Though due to the fact that his party was not a majority party the bill was unable to pass through he commons due to the fact that it was made up of the aristocracy. However, even though he was powerless to pass this reform, the people saw that he was trying to make a variance and therefore was effective to a sense that the Irish had now felt that there was after Peel that pondered for them. By asking Queen Victoria to visit Ireland and changing the election system, he had made a considerable effect on the voting. From a merely 45 000 people voting it had increased by 118 000, giving in total 163 000 people voting. He was effectual in all areas and did not forget to add in the essentials like education. He had introduced a non-denominational University in Belfast. In addition to these reforms he had also improved the Factory Act, which stated that the hours of women and children would be shortened. Some people could question Russell and put forward the view that he did not do enough in the issue relating to the Factory Act. Though what people fail to see is that he had already pushed his luck because he had already gone against the Whigs views on ‘laissez faire’. If he had gone anymore ahead with the issue of the Factory Act, then that could have resulted in the party breaking apart. He also made sure that it would be the role of the government to make sure that vital areas would be well hygienic. This would count for water supplies and sewage, things that we take advantage of now. So he was tremendously effective relating to Ireland due to the fact that he was able to carry out and accomplish many of Peels ideas and also made his own. Though what made him effective was that he was able to do all this even though he was managing a party, which had not got a majority in the Commons.