On election day, in a political triumph unmatched in Ireland, the ideas helped along by Meagher carried the day in the most distant outpost of the British Empire. The results sent a resounding message: those who wanted to put an end to the penal colony routed Denison’s loyalists and took control of the new legislative council. In short order, that council called for transportation’s demise. The governor was appalled at the rise of “the democratic spirit” and said it “needs to be checked” immediately.
