[7][8] Both Esmonde and his fellow Waterford MP Nicholas Mahon Power were elected as candidates of the Irish Liberal Party, which had been in alliance with nationalists.

Power was accused of acting "selfishly and parsimoniously" towards Esmonde,[9] who was described at the time as hoisting "free trade and liberal colours".

[10] Esmonde's election was the subject of a petition by the defeated Conservative candidate Richard Hely-Hutchinson, who alleged personation and intimidation.

[15] As an office of profit under the Crown, the Parliamentary rules of the time required him to seek re-election, and on 9 June he was returned[16] unopposed.

[3] His parliamentary seat was won at the resulting by-election by the Home Rule candidate James Delahunty, and he was succeeded in the baronetcy by his son Thomas.