John O'Connor Power facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John O'Connor Power
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of Parliament for Mayo |
|
| In office 29 May 1874 – 18 December 1885 |
|
| President of the Irish Republican Brotherhood | |
| In office 1882–1891 |
|
| Preceded by | Charles Kickham |
| Succeeded by | John O'Leary |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 February 1846 Clashaganny, County Roscommon |
| Died | 21 February 1919 (aged 73) Putney, London |
| Resting place | Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington, London |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Political party |
|
| Spouses | Avis Weiss, née Hooke |
| Parents | Patrick Power, Mary O'Connor |
| Residence | Putney London |
| Alma mater | St Jarlath's College, Tuam, County Galway. |
| Profession | Orator, Politician, lawyer, radical journalist |
| Known for | Irish Republican leader |
John O'Connor Power (born February 13, 1846 – died February 21, 1919) was an important Irish leader. He was part of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (a group that wanted Ireland to be independent). He also became a MP in the British House of Commons. He represented Mayo from 1874 to 1885. Later in life, he became a barrister (a type of lawyer). He also worked to improve prison conditions.
Contents
Early Life and Irish Nationalism
John O'Connor Power was born in Clashaganny, County Roscommon, Ireland. This was during the difficult time of the Great Famine. He was the third son of Patrick Power and Mary O'Connor. After his parents died, his aunt, Catherine O'Connor Duffield, raised him.
When he was fifteen, he moved to Lancashire, England. There, he joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB). This group worked for an independent Ireland. He also became a house painter. It was in Lancashire that he first met Michael Davitt, another important Irish leader.
Early Activism and Arrest
John O'Connor Power was known to the police by different names. He was involved in a planned raid on Chester Castle in 1867. He managed to avoid being caught. Later that year, he went to the United States. He discussed how to reorganize the Fenians (another name for the IRB).
After returning to Ireland, he was arrested in Dublin in 1868. He spent five months in Kilmainham and Mountjoy jails. Police records described him as a newspaper reporter. He was a member of the IRB's Supreme Council. He was also thought to be involved in bringing guns into the country.
Even though he was active in the IRB, he also believed in working with politicians. This idea was called the New Departure. From 1871 to 1874, he studied and taught at St. Jarlath's College, Tuam. He even became a professor there in his final year.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1874, while still at St. Jarlath's, Power decided to run for election. He wanted to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in the British House of Commons. He won the election for the Mayo by-election in May 1874.
Using Obstructionism in Parliament
In the 1874 Parliament, the Conservatives were in charge. The Irish MPs felt their concerns were ignored. John O'Connor Power and another MP, J.G. Biggar, started a new way to get attention. This was called obstructionism. They would make long speeches and use Parliament's rules to slow down business. This made sure Irish issues were heard.
Charles Stewart Parnell joined them in 1875. This strategy became very successful. Some people, like The O'Donoghue, MP, saw it as a new form of Fenianism.
Fighting for Fenian Prisoners
From 1874 to 1877, O'Connor Power spoke often in Parliament. He strongly argued for the release of Michael Davitt and other Fenian prisoners. He believed they were treated unfairly. He said they should be seen as political prisoners, not common criminals.
His efforts helped. Davitt was released early in December 1877. Other Fenians were released in January 1878. O'Connor Power helped them share their stories of suffering in prison. He had their statements printed as a pamphlet.
Visits to the United States
In 1876, O'Connor Power and Parnell went to the United States. They were sent by the Home Rule League to congratulate President Ulysses S. Grant on America's 100th birthday. They asked the President to recognize Ireland's wish for independence.
Power spoke to the House of Representatives. In 1877, the House passed a resolution. It recognized the help Irish people gave to the United States. It also supported the idea of self-government for all people. He also used this trip to connect with Irish nationalist supporters.
Changes with the IRB
Over time, some Fenians felt O'Connor Power was focusing too much on politics. In 1876, he and J.G. Biggar were removed from the IRB Supreme Council. The IRB wanted to avoid working with politicians. O'Connor Power resigned, saying his goal was to "keep the spirit of nationality alive."
The Land War
John O'Connor Power remained popular with small farmers. He spoke at the Tenant-Right Meeting in Irishtown, County Mayo on April 20, 1879. This meeting started the protest movement that led to the Irish National Land League. He was the only MP invited to this important meeting.
The Land League worked to protect tenant farmers' rights. They wanted fair rents and an end to unfair evictions. O'Connor Power believed that if landlords didn't change, people would rise up against the system.
Even though he helped start the Land League, Charles Stewart Parnell and Michael Davitt later took control. Some people, like Davitt, changed their opinion of O'Connor Power. However, others, like Michael MacDonagh, said O'Connor Power was "above the suspicion of interested motives."
Later Political Work
In the 1880 general election, O'Connor Power was re-elected for Mayo. He was supported by Michael Davitt. Soon after, in May 1880, he introduced a bill in Parliament. This was the Compensation for Disturbance Bill. It aimed to help farmers who were being evicted.
Career as a Barrister and Journalist
O'Connor Power became a barrister (lawyer) in 1881. He spent his later years practicing law. He was also a well-known journalist. He wrote for newspapers and magazines in Ireland, England, and America. He often wrote for the Manchester Guardian. He also helped strengthen the alliance between Irish, Liberal, and Labour groups.
He was active in the Irish Literary Society. He gave talks about famous Irish figures like Thomas Moore and Edmund Burke. He also cared deeply about the Irish language.
Continued Advocacy for Reform
O'Connor Power continued to work for political reform. He ran as a Liberal candidate in later elections but did not win. He promoted Proportional representation (a fairer way of voting). He also traveled around Britain, speaking about Home Rule (self-government for Ireland). He wanted to limit the power of the House of Lords.
He believed that "the battle for Irish rights must be fought in England." He kept lobbying the British government for thirty years. He was known as a dedicated worker for both English and Irish reforms.
In 1898, he spoke at a celebration in London. He praised the Irish rebellion of 1798. He said that a "rebel was a patriot who failed – a patriot was a rebel who succeeded." He hoped for a united Ireland.
In 1916, he strongly criticized the stopping of the Home Rule Act. He said it was a betrayal, especially after many young Irishmen had fought in the war.
Personal Life
In 1893, he married Avis Weiss, a wealthy widow. She was a nurse who worked in a hospital for working-class people. They were married for over twenty years. Avis was with him when he died peacefully at home in Putney, London, in 1919.
Famous Sayings
- "The land of Ireland for the people of Ireland." (1878)
- "The true patriot is not the one who clamours to lead the parade but the man who walks last." (1888)
- "Nothing is so fatal to corruption as publicity and discussion." (1897)
- "The rarest form of mental power is the power of seeing facts." (1906)
Images for kids
-
John O'Connor Power
-
Caricature by "Spy" in Vanity Fair
