William Shaw (Irish politician)

William Shaw (1823 – 1895) was an Irish Home Rule politician. He served as Member of Parliament (MP) for County Cork from 1868 to 1885.

Shaw was a prominent figure in the Irish Parliamentary Party. He initially followed Isaac Butt's leadership and advocated for Home Rule through constitutional means. Following Butt's death in 1879, Shaw was elected Chairman of the Irish Parliamentary Party, effectively becoming its leader. However, his leadership was challenged by Charles Stewart Parnell, who adopted a more assertive and confrontational approach.

Parnell ultimately replaced Shaw as leader in 1880. While Shaw continued to serve as an MP, his influence within the party waned. He retired from Parliament in 1885.

Shaw was a banker and businessman before entering politics. He was considered a moderate nationalist, favouring gradual reform and reconciliation between Ireland and Great Britain. He played a significant role in shaping the early stages of the Home Rule movement. His tenure as party leader, though brief, occurred during a pivotal period of transition in Irish politics.