‘Nothing is difficult to the brave’

Abstract Disraeli made his maiden speech in parliament on 7 December 1837, in a debate on MPs’ privileges. It was another challenge to Daniel O’Connell, the previous speaker, and was hooted down by jeering O’Connellite Irishmen, though not before its extraordinarily elaborate and affected language had caused much hilarity. After that unpropitious beginning Disraeli avoided publicity for most of the rest of the parliament, generally supporting Sir Robert Peel and attacking the free trade agitators. However, he did urge respect for the Chartist movement.