In the general election of 1885, Tanner was elected Irish Parliamentary PartyMP for the Mid Cork constituency, and was re-elected unopposed for the seat until his death. Like other activists for Home Rule, his involvement in Parliament was controversial, as his behaviour was often obstructive. The Times remarked after his death that "it was difficult to regard him as a serious politician ... he came repeatedly under the censure of the Speaker".[1]
The Church Standard remarked that "there was scarcely a session that he did not make a fierce attack upon the ministry" and he "was credited with the record of having been more frequently "suspended" from the House of Commons for violent speech than any other member of the body". He was actively involved in the Plan of Campaign, and was a supporter of Parnell until Parnell made an adverse comment about Tanner's father. When the Parnell split occurred, Tanner joined the Anti-Parnellite Irish National Federation.[2] Tanner's politics were at odds with many in his Anglo-Irish family. This caused quite a bit of controversy within the family.[citation needed]
Death
He died in 1901 of consumption and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery,[1] London next to the grave of his brother Dr. Lombard John Newman Deane-Tanner.
Notes
^ abcd'Obituary. Dr. Tanner, M.P.', The Times, 23 April 1901