William X. O'Brien

:William X. O'Brien (ITGWU) and William O'Brien (Dominion Home Rule/IPP) were contemporaries in Irish politics early in the 20th century, but should not be confused. For other people of the same name see William O'Brien (disambiguation).

Related Topics:
William O'Brien - William O'Brien (disambiguation)

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William X. O'Brien (1881-1968) was an influential Teachta Dála and trade unionist in Ireland.

Related Topics:
1881 - 1968 - Teachta Dála - Ireland

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Born in Clonakilty, County Cork, O'Brien moved with his family to Dublin in 1897, and quickly became involved in the Irish Socialist Republican Party.

Related Topics:
Clonakilty - County Cork - Dublin

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A close friend and associate of James Connolly, O'Brien helped establish the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union in 1909, and was instrumental in the Dublin Lockout strike in 1913.

Related Topics:
James Connolly - Irish Transport and General Workers' Union - Dublin Lockout

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A member of the Irish Neutrality League, and Anti-Conscription Committee, during the Great War, O'Brien was interned on several occasions by the Dublin Castle government.

Related Topics:
Anti-Conscription Committee - Great War

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With the formation of the Irish Free State, O'Brien was elected as TD for Dublin South, in 1922, and again for Tipperary in 1927 and again in 1937.

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An important figure in the Labour Party in Ireland in it's formative days, O'Brien resisted Jim Larkin?s attempt to gain control of the Party on release from prison. Taking Larkin to court over his occupation of ITGWU headquarters, the Larkin-O'Brien feud resulted in a split within the labour and trade union movements, and the formation of the Irish Congress of Trades Unions.

Related Topics:
Labour Party - Jim Larkin - Irish Congress of Trades Unions

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Active in politics and the trade union movement into his 60s, O'Brien retired in 1946 and died on October 30 1968.

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