Tierney’s father was for many years a prize agent at Gibraltar, but spent his later years in Paris. In December 1783 Tierney attracted considerable attention with a speech at India House, which he later published, advising the shareholders to ‘throw themselves at the foot of the throne, and implore his Majesty’s protection against his ministers’.
I can but wish that it may be cordially settled, thinking, abstracted of the weight of his plea, that he has such promising talents for the House of Commons that may be one day useful to his attachments. At present he is warm and sincere for Mr. Pitt, and that must increase my wishes for him.
Tierney eventually placed the whole matter before Pitt, but apparently gained no satisfaction.
His next attempt to enter Parliament was in December 1788, by which time his attachments were to Opposition. He stood at Colchester, a notoriously venal borough, against George Jackson, who had the interest of both Government and the corporation. After an expensive contest, both candidates polled 640 and a double return was made. Tierney was declared elected, 6 Apr. 1789, and began at once to take a prominent part in debate, particularly in the discussions of 3 May 1790 on the finances of the East India Company. He lost his seat at the general election, and it was not till 1796 that he returned to the House, to remain a Member for 34 years.
He died 25 Jan. 1830.