Brian Maginess facts for kids

William Brian Maginess, a QC (born July 10, 1901 – died April 16, 1967), was an important politician in Northern Ireland. He was part of the Government of Northern Ireland. Many people thought he might become the next Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.

Life

Early Life and Education

William Brian Maginess was born in 1901 in Hillsborough, Ireland. His father, William George Maginess, was a lawyer in Lisburn.

He went to The Wallace High School. Later, he studied law at Trinity College Dublin. He earned a law degree and became a lawyer in Northern Ireland in 1923.

Political Career

During the Second World War, Maginess served in the Royal Corps of Artillery. After the war, he entered politics. In 1938, he won the seat of Iveagh in the Parliament of Northern Ireland.

In 1945, he joined the government led by Basil Brooke. He became the Minister of Labour. He also served as the Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Finance. Being Minister of Finance was a very important role, almost like a Deputy Prime Minister. Because of these big jobs, many believed he would become the next Prime Minister after Basil Brooke.

However, in the early 1950s, Maginess made some decisions that were not popular with everyone. He banned certain parades in Catholic areas of Counties Down and Londonderry. This upset some groups, like the Orange Order. In April 1956, Basil Brooke moved him to a less powerful role as Attorney General. This job was not part of the main Cabinet.

Later Career and Legacy

While he was Attorney General, Maginess was involved in some important legal cases. He was made a King's Counsel in 1946, which is a special title for experienced lawyers.

In December 1959, a politician named Ian Paisley led a protest. They were unhappy that Maginess and Sir Clarence Graham had spoken in favor of Catholics being able to join the Ulster Unionist Party.

In 1964, Maginess became a County Court Judge. He then left Parliament. He passed away three years later in Belfast, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, when he was 65 years old. There is a special plaque in his memory at the Church of Ireland parish church in Hillsborough, where he is buried.