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MacDonald retained an interest in Scottish politics. [[Gladstone]]'s first [[Irish Home Rule Bill]] inspired the setting-up of a Scottish Home Rule Association in [[Edinburgh]]. On 6 March 1888, MacDonald took part in a meeting of Scotsmen that were London residents who, on his motion, formed the London General Committee of Scottish Home Rule Association. MacDonald continued to support home rule for Scotland but little support from London Scots was forthcoming. Gradually, it appears that his enthusiasm for the work of the committee wained and from 1890 he took little part in its work.
Politics at this time, however, was still of less importance to MacDonald than furthering himself in employment. To this end he studied science at evening classes but his health suddenly failed him due to exhaustion one week before his examinations. This put an end to any thought of having a career in science. In 1888, MacDonald was engaged as private secretary to [[Thomas Lough]], a tea merchant and a [[Radicalism (historical)|Radical]] politician. Lough was elected as the Liberal MP for West Islington, in 1892. Many doors now opened to MacDonald. He had access to the National Liberal Club as well as the editorial offices of Liberal and Radical newspapers. He also made himself known to various London Radical clubs and with Radical and labour politicians. MacDonald gained valuable experience in the workings of electioneering. In 1892, he left Lough’s employment to become a journalist and was not immediately successful. By then, MacDonald had been a member of the [[Fabian Society]] for some time and toured and lectured on its behalf.
===Active politics===
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