Robert Brewer

Agitation and Organisation Robert Brewer

Political Party organisation in the United Kingdom, in some ways akin to that with which we are familiar today, arguably first made its appearance in Ireland during the campaign for Catholic Emancipation and the subsequent campaigns for Reform and Repeal. The lessons were quickly understood in England.
The franchise and its manipulation by landlords and patrons prior to the 1832 Reform Act is examined, together with a description of the Catholic and Brunswick Associations. An account of the parts played by Dublin Castle, the Press, the Catholic priests is provided, together with an assessment of the position of the traditional English parties in Irish politics.
The effect of O'Connell's agitation on landlord control, together with that of the Reform Act and its provision for Ireland is assessed. The existence of various electoral malpractices is considered and the tendency for landlord control to be maintained or re-asserted by 1837 is cited.