Henry Harrison (Irish politician)

Henry Harrison (1867-1954) was an Irish nationalist politician, barrister, and writer. He is best known for his involvement in the Irish Parliamentary Party and for his role in the negotiations leading up to the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Born in Holywood, County Down, Harrison studied at Trinity College Dublin and was called to the bar in 1893. He became active in the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP), supporting Home Rule for Ireland. He served as private secretary to Charles Stewart Parnell, the leader of the IPP, during the tumultuous period surrounding the O'Shea divorce scandal and Parnell's subsequent political downfall. Harrison remained loyal to Parnell even after the party split, and he later wrote extensively about Parnell's life and career, offering a sympathetic perspective.

Following Parnell's death, Harrison continued to be involved in Irish nationalist politics. Although he never held a seat in the British Parliament, he played a significant behind-the-scenes role in the events leading up to Irish independence.

In 1921, Harrison acted as an intermediary between Éamon de Valera, the President of Dáil Éireann, and David Lloyd George, the British Prime Minister, facilitating communication that eventually led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations. His efforts were crucial in establishing a channel for dialogue between the Irish and British governments.

After the Treaty was signed, Harrison largely retired from active politics. He devoted his time to writing and historical research, focusing primarily on the life and legacy of Charles Stewart Parnell. His publications include "Parnell Vindicated" and "Charles Stewart Parnell: A Memoir." He died in Dublin in 1954.