1882 Ennis by-election

The Ennis by-election of 1882 took place on 14 November 1882. The by-election, to the House of Commons constituency of Ennis, arose due to the resignation of the incumbent MP, James Lysaght Finegan, a supporter of the Home Rule League.

Twenty-one year old Matthew Joseph Kenny, a barrister, was nominated as candidate of the Home Rule League.[1] Robert Carey Reeves, Deputy Lieutenant and a local landlord, was nominated as the Liberal-Conservative candidate.[2] With just 263 registered voters, the turnout was small. Kenny received 136 votes, as against 95 for Carey Reeves, a Home Rule majority of 41.[3]

In the General Election of 1885, Reeves contested the West Clare seat, but failed to be elected.[4]

References

1. "Election Intelligence." Times [London, England] 6 Nov. 1882
2. "News in Brief." Times [London, England] 7 Nov. 1882
3. "Election Intelligence." Times [London, England] 15 Nov. 1882
4. "Biographies Of Candidates." Times [London, England] 27 Nov. 1885; "The New Parliament." Times [London, England] 4 Dec. 1885