Robert Torrens (Irish politician)

Robert Torrens (1814 – 1883) was an Irish Liberal politician and judge. He served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Carrickfergus from 1868 to 1880.

Born in 1814, Torrens was educated at Trinity College Dublin, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. He was called to the Irish Bar in 1836 and became a Queen's Counsel in 1866.

In 1868, Torrens successfully contested the Carrickfergus seat as a Liberal, holding it until his defeat in the 1880 general election. During his time in Parliament, he was a moderate Liberal, supporting Gladstone's ministry but maintaining a degree of independence. He advocated for issues relating to Irish land reform and tenant rights, although not embracing the more radical proposals put forward by some of his contemporaries.

After leaving Parliament, Torrens was appointed a judge of the Landed Estates Court in Ireland, a position he held until his death in 1883. His legal background and parliamentary experience made him well-suited to this role, which involved resolving complex property disputes.