Daniel O’Connell: Radical thinker and reformer, (1775-1847). PART II: Both Protestants and Catholics had been influenced by the French revolution and Thomas Paine’s writings. The result was the increasing radicalisation of both groups in the 1790’s. This led to the formation of the United Irishmen and the Catholic Association.

In the 1820’s O’Connell’s involvement in the Catholic Association transformed it when he invited the Irish peasants to join the struggle for emancipation. His goal was democracy through ordered and systematic public activities. This was part of his ideology but it did not stay that way after he died. This was partly because of the criticism from the Young Irelanders in the 1840’s. "Daniel O'Connell." Encyclopaedia.com. 31 March 2012 http://www.encyclopedia.com  

 

“Ireland for the Irish” (at the bottom of this print)

© National Portrait Gallery, London. Daniel O'Connell: by J. Lewis,line engraving, 19th century,Purchased, 1966

Much of his political life was associated with the Repeal of the Act of Union. His appearance has been described as handsome with fine eyes. Possessing a powerful voice, his oratory skills were well known. He eventually gave up his successful law career for the cause of the ordinary people of Ireland. He was portrayed as a “beggar man” by English journalists because of the donations he received; but he had a substantial private income.  He was careless with finances, nevertheless always seemed to triumph over any adversity. http://www.irelandhistory.org/irish-history/ireland-irish-history/oconnells-qualifications-for-the-role-of-popular-leader.html

© National Portrait Gallery, London. The House of Commons, 1833: by Sir George Hayter
Oil on canvas, 1833-1843, given by H.M. Government, 1858

In 1828 Daniel O’Connell won the by-election in County Clare, thereby compelling the British to pass the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829. This enabled O’Connell and other Irish Catholic MPs to sit in Parliament. They never had the same political rights as the Protestants in Ireland, so this was a major breakthrough for them.

In the early 1830’s O’Connell led the Irish nationalist party in the House of Commons. He was one of the key figures in implementation of the Reform Act of 1832. O’Connell continued to speak for Irish independence and for the reform of the electoral system. He was known for his radical political views and his belief in universal suffrage. Furthermore he was one of many anti-slavery activists who worked tirelessly for the rights of black slaves. He also fought for the Jews and Australian aborigines. http://www.npg.org.uk/assets/migrated_assets/docs/learning/digital/NPGTeachersNotes_ReformAct.pdf

In the 1840’s, he continued his campaign in parliament. He developed a controlled Catholic movement similar to that of the 1820’s. He continued to promise freedom to the Irish people in his monster meetings.  However 1843 Peel’s parliament refused to grant his requests for a separate state. O’Connell was against violence and withdrew his efforts when one of his meetings was banned. Inspite of this he was charged with sedition and imprisoned for one year, but later released.

His heroic and martyr-like image persisted but by this time he was lacking his usual energy. The long years of struggle, ill-health and conflict with the Young Irelanders took their toll. Finally the futile struggle to combat the Irish famines probably hastened his death on 15^th May, 1847. "Daniel O'Connell." Encyclopaedia.com. 31 March 2012 http://www.encyclopedia.com