Daniel O'Connell
By David
In 1798 there was a rebellion Between Ireland and England so The Act of Union was introduced in 1801 to stop another rebellion. The main points of the Act were:
1. The two countries would become one and be called "The united kingdom of Britian and Ireland."
2. Ireland no longer had a parliment it was now in London.
3. Irish members had to travel to London to take their seat.
Daniel O'Connell did not agree with violence and wanted Ireland to become it's own country again,BUT by peaceful means.This was called Catholic Emancipation.
In 1823 the Catholic Association was started. He had the support of all Catholics in Ireland and was elected as an MP in 1829. He could not take up his seat because he was catholic. The prime minister thought there would be another rebellion due to this so he allowed Catholic Emancipation in 1829.He could now claim his seat in Westminster and became known as "The Liberator".
He didn't agree with the Act of Union and wanted to get rid of it.So he organised "monster meetings" around Ireland to speak to the Irish people.
In 1847 the famine tore Ireland and it's people apart they had no food or work, all their crops had rotted. Daniel O'Connell died on a pilgrimage to Rome. He is buried in Glasnevin cemetery.
Ireland is very proud of Daniel O'Connell. He was pictured on the £20 note before the Euro came in.
There is a big statue of him on O'Connell Street.
Here is an old painting of Daniel. I wonder what is it he might be holding?
Here is another old painting. This one is of one of his famous Monster Meetings.
