Hugh O'Neill, 1st Baron Rathcavan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Rathcavan
PC, PC (Ire), DL
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| Father of the House of Commons | |
| In office 25 October 1951 – 8 October 1952 |
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| Preceded by | The 6th Earl Winterton |
| Succeeded by | David Grenfell |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord temporal |
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| In office 11 February 1953 – 28 November 1982 Hereditary Peerage |
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| Succeeded by | The 2nd Baron Rathcavan |
| Member of Parliament for North Antrim Antrim (1922–1950) Mid Antrim (1915–1922) |
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| In office 17 February 1915 – 8 October 1952 |
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| Preceded by | Arthur O'Neill |
| Succeeded by | Phelim O'Neill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 June 1883 |
| Died | 28 November 1982 (aged 99) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Irish Unionist Ulster Unionist |
Robert William Hugh O'Neill, 1st Baron Rathcavan (born 8 June 1883 – died 28 November 1982) was an important British politician. He was known as Sir Hugh O'Neill, 1st Baronet for many years. He was a member of the Ulster Unionist Party. He served in both the main UK Parliament and the Parliament of Northern Ireland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert O'Neill was the third son of Edward O'Neill, 2nd Baron O'Neill. His nephew, Terence O'Neill, later became the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
Robert went to Eton College, a famous school, and then to New College, Oxford University. After university, he became a lawyer, which is called being "called to the Bar" in the UK. He also served as a Major in the British Army.
Political Career Highlights
Robert O'Neill had a long and active career in politics. He was a member of Parliament for many years.
Serving in Parliament
O'Neill first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1906. He was first elected to the UK Parliament in 1915 for an area called Mid-Antrim. He later represented other areas in Antrim.
In 1921, he was also elected to the Northern Ireland House of Commons. This was the first time Northern Ireland had its own parliament. He became its very first Speaker. The Speaker is like the referee of the parliament, making sure debates follow the rules. He held this important role until 1929.
Key Roles and Honors
In 1929, Robert O'Neill was given a special honor and became a Baronet. This meant he could be called "Sir Hugh O'Neill." In 1934, he was made the High Sheriff of Antrim, a ceremonial role for the county.
From 1933 to 1939, O'Neill was the Chairman of the 1922 Committee. This is a group of Conservative MPs in the UK Parliament. He was also a member of several "Privy Councils," which are groups of important advisors to the King or Queen.
Later, from 1939 to 1940, he worked for the government as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for India and Burma. This role involved helping to manage affairs related to India and Burma. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Antrim from 1949 to 1959. This is the King's representative in a county.
Becoming a Baron
In 1952, Robert O'Neill retired from the UK Parliament. The year before, he had become the Father of the House. This title is given to the MP who has served the longest without a break.
After retiring, he received another high honor. On 11 February 1953, he was made a Baron, which is a type of peerage. This meant he became Baron Rathcavan and could sit in the House of Lords, the upper house of the UK Parliament.
Later Life and Legacy
Lord Rathcavan lived a very long life. He passed away in 1982 at the age of 99. His eldest son, Phelim O'Neill, took over his title as the 2nd Baron Rathcavan.
See also
- List of Northern Ireland Members of the House of Lords
