The 1892 general election in Ireland took place from 4–26 July 1892. This was the first general election in Ireland following the split in the Irish Parliamentary Party caused by Charles Stewart Parnell's relationship with Katharine O'Shea, who had been married at the beginning of their relationship. The ensuing scandal saw the Party split into rival wings; the anti-Parnellite Irish National Federation, and the pro-Parnellite Irish National League. Parnell later died in October 1891 of a heart attack.
In spite of the split within the Irish Nationalist parties their vote held up remarkably well, and together they received 297,258 of the 385,115 votes cast in Ireland, and 81 of Irelands 101 seats.
Irish and Liberal Unionists made small gains in Ulster and around Dublin, resulting in them winning a further 4 seats. It was the first election to be contested by the newly formed Irish Unionist Alliance under Edward James Saunderson.
The Irish Nationalist parties went on to support William Ewart Gladstone's attempt to form a minority Liberal government. As Prime Minister, Gladstone once again attempted to push for Irish Home Rule.
Not included in the totals are the two Dublin University seats, which were retained by the Irish Unionist party.
Results Party Leader Seats Votes# of Seats % of Seats Seat Change # of Votes % of Votes Vote ChangeIrish National FederationJustin McCarthy 71 70.3 New 227,007 57.7 NewIrish National LeagueJohn Redmond 9 8.9 New 70,251 17.9 NewIndependent Nationalist 0 0.0 2,180 0.6 NewIrish UnionistEdward James Saunderson 17 16.8 2 49,330 12.5 NewLiberal UnionistJoseph Chamberlain 4 4.0 2 29,933 7.6 3.7LiberalWilliam Ewart Gladstone 0 0.0 14,472 3.7 0.8Totals 101 100.0 393,173 100.0 Source: B.M. Walker
See also History of Ireland (1801–1923)
References