Workers' Rights
In addition to his interest in land reform and Irish nationalism, Davitt was interested in the rights of workers, particularly manual labourers. He advocated an alliance between English and Irish workers and tenant farmers. He set up the Irish Democratic Labour Federation in 1890. This organisation aimed for free education, land settlement, housing for workers, reduced working hours and other social reforms.
In 1895, Davitt visited Australia and New Zealand. He delivered around seventy public lectures, comparing the Irish land question with that of the Aborigines, Chinese, Maoris and Kanakas.
Mrs Mary Davitt and Children, 1905
A 1905 photo of Mrs Mary Davitt, neé Yore, wife of Michael Davitt, with the Davitt children. This photo was taken just a year before the death of Michael Davitt.
Mrs Mary Davitt and Children, 1905
Mrs Mary Davitt and Children, 1905
A 1905 photo of Mrs Mary Davitt, neé Yore, wife of Michael Davitt, with the Davitt children. This photo was taken just a year before the death of Michael Davitt.
In 1899, Davitt resigned his seat in Parliament as a protest against the Boer War. He wrote a number of books about his travels and the causes he supported, including the plight of Russian Jews, who were suffering due to anti-Semitism in that country.
Michael Davitt died in 1906, aged 60. His body was brought to the Carmelite Friary in Clarendon Street and 20,000 people saw off his coffin. He is buried in the grounds of Straide Abbey in Co. Mayo and there is a museum dedicated to him close by.
Michael Davitt died in 1906, aged 60. His body was brought to the Carmelite Friary in Clarendon Street and 20,000 people saw off his coffin. He is buried in the grounds of Straide Abbey in Co. Mayo and there is a museum dedicated to him close by.