Alexander Cairnes

Sir Alexander Cairnes, 1st Baronet (1665 – 30 October 1732) was an Irish politician and banker. Background He was the oldest son of John Cairnes of Donoghmore, co. Donegal, and his wife Jane Miller, daughter of James Miller, MD. His younger brother was William Cairnes. During his military service, he became friend with John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Career Cairnes served in the British Army and took part in the Battle of Blenheim. For this, he was created a baronet, of Monaghan, in Ireland by Queen Anne of Great Britain on 6 May 1708, with a special remainder to his youngest brother Henry. In 1710, Cairnes entered the Irish House of Commons for Monaghan Borough, representing it until 1713. Subsequently, he was returned for County Monaghan until 1727, when he stood also for Monaghan Borough. He was elected for both constituencies, however, chose the latter and sat for it as Member of Parliament until his death in 1733. Cairnes was appointed Keeper of Phoenix Park in 1712. Thomas Sheridan thought him "an eminent Banker", but Jonathan Swift dismissed him as "a scrupulous puppy" and "a shuffling scoundrel".