Editing Isaac Butt (section)

==Legal career==

After being called to the bar in 1838, Butt quickly established a name for himself as a brilliant [[barrister]]. He was known for his opposition to the [[Irish nationalism|Irish nationalist]] leader [[Daniel O'Connell]]'s campaign for the repeal of the Act of Union.{{sfn|Doran|2003|pp= 25-26}} He also lectured at Trinity College, Dublin, in political economy. His experiences during the [[Great Famine (Ireland)|Great Famine]] led him to move from being an [[Unionists (Ireland)|Irish unionist]] and an [[Orange Institution|Orangeman]]{{sfnp|Jackson|2003|pp=25–26|ps=}} to supporting a [[Federalism|federal]] political system for the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland]] that would give Ireland a greater degree of self-rule. This led to his involvement in Irish nationalist politics and the foundation of the [[Home Rule League]]. Butt was instrumental in fostering links between constitutional and revolutionary nationalism through his representation of members of the [[Fenian]]s Society in court.