Sexton, Thomas (1848–1932)

Irish nationalist politician and journalist. A fervent supporter of Charles Stewart Parnell's home rule campaign, he represented various constituencies in Parliament between 1880 and 1896, gaining a reputation as a powerful public speaker. He was lord mayor of Dublin in 1888–89, and ran the leading home rule daily newspaper, the Freeman's Journal, from 1892 to 1912.

Born in Ballygannon, County Waterford, Sexton worked as a railway clerk before joining the Nation as a leader writer. He was elected MP for Sligo in 1880, won West Belfast for Parnell in 1886, and represented Kerry North 1892–96.