He was also identified with the Irish confederation, but withdrew from the party on finding their schemes were wild and visionary, and could not be attained without a general rising of the peasantry.
He was author of a number of letters on the Landlord and Tenant question published in the Dublin Evening Post and signed "An Irish Farmer," and also contributed to a Liverpool journal under the name of "Peter Carroll, Stonemason."
[2] Shortly after marriage, Balfe emigrated to Tasmania bringing letters of introduction from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to Governor William Denison.
He retained his seat in the Assembly, with the exception of one session, until his death, a period of twenty-four years, representing successively [Franklin, South Launceston, and West Hobart.
[3] Balfe's speeches were marked by considerable power of humorous satire, and his ability and force as a debater made him for many years a prominent figure in Tasmanian politics.