roche continued on in the grattan parliament, representing gowran from 1777 to 1783, portarlington from 1784 to 1790, tralee (again) from 1790 to 1798 and old leighlin from 1798 until the union with great britain in 1801. from the beginning of his parliamentary career roche ranged himself on the side of the government, and for his services he was granted a pension, appointed chamberlain to the viceregal court, and on 30 november 1782 was created a baronet. for the office of chamberlain he was thought to be "eminently qualified by his handsome figure, graceful address and ready wit, qualities which were set off by a frank, open and manly disposition."