Meaning: The quote you have provided is from John Redmond, a prominent Irish politician in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The quote reflects the sentiment of many Irish people at the time regarding the Act of Union of 1801, which merged the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

In the quote, Redmond asserts that Ireland has consistently denied the legitimacy of the Union, both legally and morally. He emphasizes the ongoing resistance and refusal to accept the Union as binding upon Ireland. Redmond's words capture the enduring spirit of Irish nationalism and the refusal to acquiesce to the imposition of British rule.

The Act of Union of 1801 was a pivotal moment in Irish history, marking the formal incorporation of Ireland into the United Kingdom. However, it was met with significant opposition and resentment from many Irish people who viewed it as an infringement on their sovereignty and autonomy. The Act of Union consolidated British control over Ireland and was perceived as a betrayal of Irish interests and aspirations for self-determination.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Irish politicians and activists, including John Redmond, actively campaigned for the repeal of the Union and the restoration of Ireland's independence. The quote reflects the ongoing struggle for Irish self-governance and the refusal to accept the legitimacy of the Union imposed by the British government.

Redmond's assertion that Ireland "still denies" the binding nature of the Union underscores the enduring sense of resistance and defiance within Irish society. The quote serves as a reaffirmation of Ireland's refusal to accept the Union and a call to action to renew the protest against it. It encapsulates the unwavering determination of the Irish people to assert their national identity and sovereignty in the face of external domination.

The historic occasion referenced in the quote likely alludes to a specific event or gathering where the protest against the Union was being reaffirmed and documented. This underscores the significance of the ongoing struggle for Irish independence and the symbolic importance of publicly reiterating the rejection of the Union.

In conclusion, John Redmond's quote encapsulates the enduring spirit of Irish resistance to the Act of Union of 1801 and the ongoing struggle for national independence. It reflects the deep-seated conviction within Irish society that the Union was neither legally nor morally binding upon Ireland. The quote serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the refusal to accept external imposition and a testament to the resilience of Irish nationalism.