Parliamentary Career
In 1882, O'Sullivan was a candidate for the legislative assembly at West Sydney. but was defeated, and in 1885 was defeated for South Sydney. He was, however, returned for Queanbeyan a few days later, with the assistance of the Queanbeyan Age, edited by his friend, John Gale. He held the seat for about 18 years.
In September 1899, O'Sullivan became Minister for Public Works in the Lyne ministry, and held the same position when John See became Premier until the ministry was defeated in June 1904. He was a most vigorous minister and was responsible for a great development of the tramway system, for the building of many new railways, and for many other public works in connexion with water-supply, roads, rivers, harbours and buildings, including the new Sydney railway station. According to the Bulletin, his sketch for it has "all the salient features of the Colosseum, St Paul's, the Kremlin and a Yankee skyscraper".
O'Sullivan held office for a few weeks in the Waddell ministry in 1904 as Secretary for Lands, but possibly from failing health was less prominent in politics win his later years. He, however, did good work as an alderman of the City of Sydney, and representing Belmore for six years was a useful member of the assembly.
O'Sullivan died at Mosman of blood poisoning after a protracted illness. He was married, and left a widow, two sons and three daughters.
Read more about this topic: Edward William O'Sullivan
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