His strong views on responsible government, his connections in St. John's Catholic society, and his ability to unite disparate elements of the Liberal Party propelled him to a leadership role in politics.

After it was granted in 1854, he went on to run a successful campaign as leader of the predominantly Roman Catholic Liberal Party.

Little, as Chief Justice, played a prominent role in dispersing and calming the crowds.

[citation needed] He married Mary Jane Holdright, from a wealthy Anglo-Irish family, in 1864.

Philip Francis Little died at age 73 in 1897 in Monkstown, County Dublin.