IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1927, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association. HUSH ELECTION. COSGRAVE’S HOPE. LONDON, August 27. Not the least interested participants, in the General' Election into which Ireland has been plunged for the second time within four months, will be Mr Gerald O’Sullivan and Dr Hennessy, who won the Dublin bye-elections, and enjoyed membership of the Dail Eireann for two and four hours respectively. The election writs already have been received, and most of the constituencies indicate that the fastest, and probably the bitterest, settlement of the country’s fate will be compressed into twelve days, from the 3rd to the 15th of September. There is a clear issue between the Government and the Fiantia Fail party. The latter party is still equipped with a little ready money which Mr Do Valera raised in America. The other parties are very poorly supplied with funds, for which reason it is expected that Labour will concentrate on holding its present seats. The Government will probably nominate one hundred candidates, and the Fianna Fail ninety candidates for tho 152 vacancies. This election, like most bombshells, seems to have shaken the nerves of those finding the explosion too close to he pleasant. Mr Johnson, the Labour leader, described the election as a “ gambler’s throw,” professing to lie entirely unperturbed, hut he continued: “It Is desperate to all believers in democracy.”

The most valuable De Valerian comment comes from the ex-member, Mr Seaan Leniass, who says: “Tlie principal result of this election will he the disappearance of the Farmers’ Party, and the acceptance of the principle that it is useless to elect several small groups. One party strong enough to rule must he returned.” President Cosgrave does not conceal that the reason for the dissolution was the result of the Dublin bye-elections, which has been too remarkable to overlook. and lie concludes by saying the rest of the countrv is awaiting an. opportunity to render the same verdict as Dublin. LONDON, Aug. 27. The London morning papers are almost unanimously of the opinion that President Cosgrove's action was a master stroke. The “Daii'v Telegraph” says: Tho Oppositionists are clearly enraged. Botli opposition parties wanted power, hut neither was willing to take the verdict of the people as to their fitness to rule. The “ Daily Telegraph ” also points out that Article 53 of the Constitution provides that “An Executive which does not retain the confidence of the House may not dissolve tlie Dail.” This was popularly interpreted as preventing President Cosgrave from dissolving, hut, fortunately, the lawyers took n broad view of that section, and did not apply it so long as a vote of noconfidence was not passed. REDMOND’S FEARS. LONDON, Aug. 27. Captain W. Redmond describes President Cosgrave’s dissolution as tricky tactics, designed to snatch a party advantage. The issue of the election, lie says, wii'l he peace or war. He doubts whether any enthusiasm will he evoked by the proposal to give President Cosgrave the full powers of a mandate, and lie thinks that it will renew civil disturbance throughout the country by a war of coercion upon tlie Government’s political opponents, on the pretext of suppressing crime.

The Dublin newspapers cop tain display advertisements by the Government, while Mr De Valera is appealing for election funds. IRISH DISSOLUTION. LONDON, Aug. 26. The “Daily Mail’s” Dublin correspondent says it is generally i’ei't that AH' Cosgrave has acted wisely. His unusual tactics are fully justified by the extraordinary situation, which the Do Valeraites’ entry into the Dail produced. Cabinet took legal advice and decided to dispense with the Dail, by resolution authorising the dissolution, because it was unlikely a majority would agree when De Valeraites, Labourites and National Leaguers, supported by Farmers and Independents, who are forced to bear their own expenses. Air Cosgrave in the event of defeat, will he forced to resign, enabling Mr Do Vai'era to dominate the LabourNationalist coalition. -Mr Cosgrave acted constitutionally, hut cleverly won a substantial move, as while the Government party are not overburdened with funds, it is far better off than the other parties, which virtually are penniless.