Feargus O'Connor
Published on 6. August 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-85036-561-0 (ISBN)
Description
At the height of his popularity as a leader of the Chartists' campaign for democratic reform in Britain, Feargus O'Connor (1794-1855) enjoyed the support of millions of working people. But his role in the history of British radical politics is only half the story. More than any other popular leader of his generation O'Connor sought to bring those he called the 'working Saxon and Celt' together in a common struggle - an aspiration that had its roots deep in the Irish past. This book restores the Irish dimension of O'Connor's career to its proper place by offering, for the first time, an evaluation of his heritage, his ideas and his public life on both sides of the Irish Sea. It is an important story that is worth rescuing for readers in both Britain and Ireland.
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Content
Chapter 1 explores his early life and political heritage; chapter 2 considers prospects for change - Rebellion in Ireland and Reform in England - as O'Connor stood for election to parliament; Chapter 3 covers his first stint in the House of Commons, his break with O'Connell and his emergence as leader of British radicalism; Chapter 4 looks at his early Chartist career, including his period in prison; Chapter 5 examines his later Chartist career including his second period in the House of Commons. The last Chapter examines his later attempts to unite Irish and British radicals, his death commemoration and legacy.