The great grandson of the founder of the Land League Michael Davitt has been elected chairman of the youth wing of the Green Party.
Edward Davitt (26) from Ranelagh in Dublin was elected chairman of the Young Greens at the organisation's annual conference in Galway yesterday.
A student of history and European affairs, he said he was the first member of his family to become politically active in recent years, despite his family heritage.
"My dad's dad was a Fine Gael TD for one term. He was a medical doctor and he didn't have a great interest in politics."
Mr Davitt said that because his father was the "family genealogist", he grew up with the legend of Michael Davitt, who died 100 years ago.
His great grandfather's political ideology sits well with the Green Party, he said.
"Michael Davitt pioneered many causes, usually before they had ever become popular or even entered the mainstream of the public consciousness including tenants' rights and the rights of minorities," he said.
He has no plans at present to stand for election for the Dáil or a local authority.
