Joseph Foley facts for kids

Joseph William Foley was an Irish lawyer, also known as a solicitor. He was born in 1821. He came from Dún Laoghaire, a town in County Dublin, Ireland. For a short time, he became a politician who supported Irish nationalism. This meant he wanted more self-governance for Ireland.

Early Life and Career

Joseph William Foley's father, William, was from New Ross in County Wexford, Ireland. His mother, Elizabeth Crawford, came from Northumberland, England. Joseph went to school at St Cuthbert's College in County Durham, England.

In 1841, he became a solicitor. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents. He also served as a justice of the peace for County Dublin. This role meant he helped keep law and order in the local area. In 1865, he married Julia Cram, who was also from Northumberland.

Time in Politics

Joseph William Foley decided to enter politics. In the 1880 general election, he ran for a seat in the British Parliament. He was a candidate for the Home Rule League. This group wanted Ireland to have more control over its own laws.

Foley won the election for the area of New Ross. He became a Member of Parliament (MP). He defeated the politician who was already in that seat, Charles George Tottenham. Tottenham belonged to the Conservative Party.

However, Joseph William Foley's time as an MP was very short. In January 1881, he decided to leave his position. He officially resigned by taking on a special role called the Steward of the Manor of Northstead. This was a way for MPs to step down from Parliament.

After he resigned, a new election was held for his seat. This was called a by-election. The new election was won by another Home Rule candidate, John Redmond. John Redmond later became a very important leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party.