17 May 1880
Parnell leads Home Rule Party

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Charles Stewart Parnell becomes leader of the Home Rule Party. His supporters come from across the range of politics: some want him to continue with violent agitation; others hope that new laws and political reforms will bring justice for the Irish people.

In Parliament, Parnell and his MPs continue the 'filibustering' they have been practising since 1876. This consists of talking at length and using technical rules to delay parliamentary business and stop laws being passed.

Parnell also uses his parliamentary platform to campaign for lower land rents and an end to evictions of tenant farmers. This pressure, combined with the agitation of the Land War, helps bring about the 1881 Land Act.

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