A key focus of the Liberal campaign was on their proposal to disestablish the Church of Ireland.

Disestablishment was popular both in Ireland, and also amongst non-conformists and the Irish diaspora in Britain, particularly in the Celtic Fringe.

This policy would be enacted following the election by the Irish Church Act 1869.

The results from Dublin University, which returned two Conservatives to parliament, is not included in the vote total.

Under the Sligo and Cashel Disfranchisement Act 1870, both boroughs lost their right to elect MPs.