Morgan McSweeney isn't the first Irish person behind the scenes of British power

The ousted Macroom man follows a long line of Irish people who were indispensable to British Prime Ministers — until they weren't

Downing Street chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, in Downing Street, central London. Picture date: Thursday October 10, 2024.

With the relentless focus in recent weeks on the activities of Irishman, Morgan McSweeney, in 10 Downing Street and his recent resignation, one could be forgiven for thinking that the ‘Man from Macroom’ is a rarity in British politics.

On the contrary — over the centuries, many Irish people have had a considerable impact. Historically, Edmund Burke, Daniel O’Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Edward Carson and John Redmond are the most prominent to have helped shape political events in Britain.