609 William Kirk

Constituency : Newry  1852-9, 1868-70

William  re-took  the  seat  he  had  held  from  1852  to  1859. He  was  possibly  the  oldest  victor  at  73.

William  was  a  wealthy  linen  merchant  and  also  a  local  landlord. Particularly  during  his  first  stint  in  Parliament  he  spoke  for  the  interests  of  Irish  Presbyterians  and  gave  liberally  to  associated  causes.

William  spoke  in  favour  of  the  Burials  Bill  in  1869.

William  died  in  1870  aged  75.