James O'Grady

James O'Grady ( born May 6, 1866 in Bristol, England; † 10 December 1934 in London ) was an English Labour Party politician, trade unionist and Governor of Tasmania and the Falkland Islands.

Life

O'Grady grew up in Bristol on as a child of Roman Catholic parents from Ireland. Already with 10 years, he left school, worked as a carpenter and later made. He also became involved in the union and in 1898 became Chairman of the Trades Union Congress. In 1906 he was elected to the House of Commons, where he became interested in foreign policy. He was an advocate of the First World War and campaigned on recruitment meetings about to report for military service.

After the war he was first in 1924 as the first British ambassador to the Soviet Union this week, but was instead appointed Governor of Tasmania. At that time, the governorship was not very popular, especially since it was paid relatively low due to the poor economic condition of Tasmania. After lengthy negotiations O'Grady finally accepted the post and was released in December 1924 on the island. Then his wife Louisa, whom he had married in 1887, due to a disability, the journey could not compete, he was accompanied by his daughter Margaret.

During his tenure, he tried to boost Tasmania's economy and stem the increasing migration. He promoted the industrialization and the use of modern farming techniques, and urged the population, instead of investing their money in their own companies abroad.

In December 1930 he left after his term ends Tasmania and was then Governor of the Falkland Islands. In 1934 he came back there due to his poor health and died in London a little later.

Awards

• Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (1924 )