William O'Brien (trade unionist)
William O'Brien | |
|---|---|
O'Brien, c. 1930 | |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office July 1937 – June 1938 | |
| In office June 1927 – September 1927 | |
| Constituency | Tipperary |
| In office June 1922 – August 1923 | |
| Constituency | Dublin South |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John William O'Brien 23 January 1881 Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 31 October 1968 (aged 87) Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland |
| Resting place | Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin |
| Political party |
|
| Occupation | Trade union leader |
William O'Brien (23 January 1881 – 31 October 1968) was a politician and trade unionist in Ireland. While rarely dominating the political spotlight, O'Brien was incredibly powerful and influential behind the scenes, maintaining a firm grip over Ireland's trade unions for many decades. Besides his leadership in the trade unions, O'Brien was a founder, alongside James Larkin and James Connolly, of the Labour Party of Ireland. In later years a rift formed between Larkin and O'Brien that would last the rest of their lives and often divide the labour movement in Ireland.