Flood, Henry, 1732–91, Irish statesman. He entered the Irish House of Commons in 1759 and joined the fight to gain independence for the Irish Parliament. He lost favor with the nationalists, however, when he accepted (1775) a position in the government, and the leadership of the nationalists passed to Henry Grattan. Flood recaptured popularity when, following the repeal (1782) of Poynings's Law (see under Poynings, Sir Edward), he went beyond Grattan in demanding positive assurance of Irish legislative independence. But his opposition to Catholic Emancipation, which Grattan favored, once more reduced his following. Flood served (1783–90) in both the English and the Irish House of Commons, but he never regained his leadership of the Irish nationalists.
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