1790 Irish general election
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All 300 seats of the House of Commons 151 seats were needed for a majority | ||||||||||||||||
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The 1790 Irish general election was a general election to the Irish House of Commons in the Kingdom of Ireland, held around April–May 1790. It was the first election following the Octennial Act 1768, which mandated elections every eight years, replacing the prior system where parliaments lasted the lifetime of the monarch. The election occurred in the wake of the Constitution of 1782, which had granted greater legislative independence to Ireland, but political tensions persisted over parliamentary reform and the influence of the Dublin Castle administration.
Background
The Octennial Act 1768 was a landmark reform, ensuring more frequent elections and ending the practice of parliaments lasting for a monarch's reign, as seen under George I and George II. The 1790 election followed the significant political victory of the Constitution of 1782, which reduced British control over the Irish Parliament, largely due to the efforts of the Patriot Party, led by Henry Grattan. However, the electorate remained restricted to Protestant freeholders, as the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1793 had not yet been passed, excluding Catholics from voting despite growing calls for emancipation.
The political landscape was dominated by two main factions: the Patriot Party, advocating for reform and greater autonomy, and the Administration, aligned with Dublin Castle and British interests, led by figures like John FitzGibbon, the Attorney General. Borough constituencies were often controlled by aristocratic patrons, limiting electoral competition.[1]
| Numbers | Borough | County | University | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constituencies | 117 | 32 | 1 | 150 |
| Members | 234 | 64 | 2 | 300 |
Campaign
The campaign was shaped by debates over parliamentary reform and the lingering influence of Dublin Castle. The Patriot Party, under Grattan, sought to build on the successes of 1782, pushing for a more independent and representative parliament. The Administration, backed by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, aimed to maintain control through patronage and influence over borough seats. In counties like County Down, aristocratic families such as the Marquess of Downshire and the Earl of Londonderry dominated, leading to expensive and competitive campaigns.[2]
In County Armagh, sectarian tensions between Catholic Defenders and Protestant Peep o' Day Boys were beginning to emerge, influencing local politics, though Catholics could not yet vote.[3] Specific candidate lists are poorly documented, but prominent figures like Grattan in Dublin City were key players.
Aftermath
Following the election, John Foster was elected Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, succeeding Sexton Pery. The parliament faced growing unrest, with the Society of United Irishmen gaining traction and advocating radical reform. The 1790s saw escalating tensions, culminating in the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and the eventual Acts of Union 1800.[4]
References
- ^ Johnston-Liik, E. M. (2006). MPs in Dublin: Companion to History of the Irish Parliament, 1692-1800. p. 210. ISBN 9781903688601.
- ^ "Co. Down". History of Parliament Online. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "County Armagh". Ulster Historical Foundation. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ Keenan, Desmond (2014). Eighteenth Century Ireland 1703-1800 Society and History. ISBN 9781499080827.