1896 East Kerry By-Election
The 1896 East Kerry by-election was held on 27 March 1896 due to the incumbent MP, Michael Davitt of the Irish National Federation, also standing in South Mayo and taking that seat, leaving East Kerry vacant.
Nationalist Split and Candidates
The Nationalists had split into two factions after the party leader, Charles Stewart Parnell, was named as co-respondent in a divorce. James Roche was initially supported by both the Parnellites and the Anti-Parnellites, until it was revealed that he was himself divorced.
The Campaign
During the campaign, Roche publicly denied that he knew of the divorce or that he had deserted his wife and children. It was thought that Roche lost some support because, as a divorced man, he was less popular with the Catholic vote.
Election Results
Although Roche went on to win the seat, the opposing Unionist candidate gained the highest vote ever recorded for a Unionist candidate in Kerry East.
Aftermath
Roche served one term and did not stand in the following general election in 1900.
References
- Further reading on the history of the 1896 East Kerry by-election.
- Analysis of Nationalist and Unionist factions during this period.