1895 & 1905

The Times, 13 Jul 1895: Anti Parnellite Convention

Meath- An anti Parnellite convention was held in St. Finians Seminary, Navan, yesterday, for the purpose of selecting candidates for North and South Meath.  A large number of lay and clerical delegates were present.  Several local men were proposed as representing the Dillonite and Healyite party, but were dropped and the convention decided to select Mr. Jordan to contest South Meath in opposition to Mr. Parnell, and Mr.Gibney to contest North Meath in opposition to Mr John Sweetman.

The Times, 8 Sept 1905:

Mr. Michael Davitt has declined an invitation from the Navan District Council to stand for the Northern Division of Meath at the next general election.  He says: "While fully appreciating the compliment extended to me in the name of a constituency which put the House of Commons to the trouble of voting me, to be disqualified to be one of its members in 1882 (owing to my then discharge of the ardous duties of penal servitude in Portland Prison), I am compelled for reasons altogether unnecessary to explain, to declare the honour your council is is now wishful to confer. I cannot consent to stand for the Navan or for any other division of Ireland at the coming general election.  It appears that the electors or some of them are dissatisfied with the services of their present member, Mr Patrick White."