4. The political impact of
immigration covers four
main issues:
• Trade unions
• Political parties
• Pressure groups
• Voting and elections
5. Trade unions
Irish immigrants played a
role in trade unions, either
setting them up or joining
existing groups.
The Glasgow Cotton
Spinners Association was
led by Irishmen trying to
improve working conditions.
6. Political parties
The Irish often supported
the Liberal Party (as they
wanted to give Ireland
Home Rule).
Some Irishmen became
involved in the new
Scottish Labour Party,
including John Wheatley.
7. Pressure groups
The Irish were involved in
many political campaigns.
In the 1800s Britain was not
a democracy and few
people had the vote. Some
Irish people joined groups
such as the Chartists.
8. Voting and elections
Like the Scots, most Irish
people could not vote
until 1918. When they did
they often supported the
Liberal Party.
Eventually the Scottish
Labour Party began to
receive their votes.
