IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1927, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS

COSGIUVE RE-ELECTED. BY ABSENCE OF REPUBLICANS. (Australian A- N.Z. Cable Association.; DUBLIN, June 23. President Cosgrove has triumphed in an atmosphere strangely akin to that of other years The Republican Party’s demonstration to-day is described as having been a rank failure, though tho excitement was at fex-er beat all day in anticipation of the De Valeraites’ actions. The Government took stern measures. They had hundreds of Civic Guards stationed in the vicinity of the Dail Eireami, and also in the adjoining streets, which were closed to traffic. Everybody xvas closely questioned before admittance to the Dail. The leaders of the opposing forces xvere assembled, and a Catholic service was conducted by the Archbishop of Dublin, and the vast congregation xvas thrilled by tlie spectacle of the political war-wagers kneeling shoulder to shoulder. They were cheered to the echo on emerging. Later in the day AD- De Valera s supporters arrived in the city from I all parts in. motors, lorries and waggons. which they inscribed—“ Abolish tho Oath!”

A few processions also moved in the streets, carrying banners inscribed — “We will not take the Oath!” Tho De Valeraites then walked to the Dail Eireami. They produced their

credentials and they xvere admitted to the lobbies, and they xvere formally

informed that they could not he seated without taking the Oath. One by one the De Yaleraite members refused to take the Oath. They protested noisily that the officials xxeio powerless to exclude them, but exei) door leading to the Chandler xvas locked and xvas strongly guarded. Afi- De Valera then led the par'y to the street, whore they hoarded xvaggons and paraded, acknowledging tho cheers.

Meantime the remainder of those elected nssembed at the Dail Eireann, where Air Johnson, the Labour Party Leader, declared that his Party proproposed to have a dix-ision as to whether Air Cosgrave should be re-elected as President.

AH Baxter, who is' leading the Farmers’ Party, said that they would not oppose nil election, but they would support Air Cosgrave only when they agreed xvith his policy. Captain William Archer Redmond, the Leader of the Nationalist Party, said that they were prepared to suppor am- Government, irrespective of party, which maintained law and order. ~

The Assemby thereupon elected Air Cosgrave as President. Air Cosgrave said—“lf I accept ollice, it is only on the clearest understanding that I xvill receive the support needed to carry out a programme. 1 have no intention of tampering with the Treat)’ Constitution’:'

The House cannot remove the obligation to take the Oath until it is denounced and altered, and the Treaty must remain. The Government has no -intention of endangering the cordial relations existing xvith Britain for the purposes of saving their faces 1”

President Cosgrave added :— “The Fianna Fail are not kept from the Dail Eireann because of the Oath, but because they xvere sheltering behind subterfuges.”

THE NEW CABINET. LONDON, June 23. President Cosgrave lias announced bis Cabinet as follows:-Vice-President, Alinister of Justice and Alinister of Internal Affairs, Mr Kevin O’Higgins. Alinister of Finance, Afr Blythe. Minister of Defence, AH Desmond Fitzgerald. Alinister of Industry and Commerce, Afr Gilligban. Alinister of Education. Professor O’Sullivan.

Alinister of Lands and Agriculture, .Mr V. Hogan.

Minister of Fisheries. ATr F. Lynch. Alinister of Local Government, General Afulcaliy. .Minister of Post and Telegraph, Afr J. J. Walsh.