-- The Cork Examiner 29 Apr 1844

THE REPEAL BUTTON!
TO THE EDITOR OF THE CORK EXAMINER.

DEAR MR. EDITOR - I feel much of delicacy - indeed if the expression were
not too masculine, I would say embarrassment - at at all attempting to
address you.  I know it is the men's business and duty to do so - but I am
so fidgetty, and so uneasy, that unless you afford me the kind indulgence,
my very heart will break.  I am a repealer, a female repealer - an ardent,
uncompromising, impassioned repealer - and what, let me ask you, can the
men do without us?  We are, thank God, equal to them in number - we are
equal to them in influence; indeed we are more than equal to them in that
respect - we are.  I can say it without vanity, equal to them in virtue,
in patriotism, in integrity, in feelings, in charms, in determination. 

Well, then, if these, or any portion of them, be admitted, what, let me
ask you, must be our feelings, on reading the report of the Poor-law
Guardians last week, at the conduct of the ungallant Captain Irvine, who
so mildly and courteously alluded to the Repeal Button worn by a member of
that Board, and that member an Alderman of St. Patrick's ward? The
renowned Alderman is I understand a Bachelor.  Had he instead of doffing
his button, told the gallant Captain, that he wore it in compliance with
the wishes of the great Liberator, that he would continue to wear it, in
despite of any impertinent interrogator, and that no man had a right to
question his motives in doing so - had he done this, and returned from the
Board with his button on his left breast, I would, had I seen him in the
street, notwithstanding what female delicacy or decorum may interpose,
have clasped him in my arms, and applauded his manly bearing and intrepidity.

Well you will say, perhaps I am bordering on rudeness; be it so - but I
wish ands want to establish a principle.  I look with delight, and I am
sure all our ladies do, on the Repeal buttons, worn by all our honest
patriots - and those too on their left breast - the dears ! how charming -
how delightful to look at -- ! how consoling, how exhilirating! Ah,
Mr. Editor, do insert this letter. I will promise you in my next a long
one - or if that be not desirable, you shall hear from me at all events -
not withstanding the sneers of the Captain or the repentance of the
unbuttoned Alderman.
Your very humble servant,
MARY ANNE O'BRIEN
Cork, 27th April, 1844.