The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1930.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1930.

IRISH FREE STATE

The resignation of the Irish Free State Government rather suddenly a few days, -following its defeat by a narrow majority on a bill introduced by a supporter of Air de Valera, brought Irish affairs prominently to the fore again. I‘ne event created an interesting and rather unusual position. The Freskinet of the Executive Council of the elec Swue Government is not appointed by the King or his lepreseulative in the same maimer as are the Prime Ministers of Great Britain and the dorm .unions, but is elected by the Hail El lean. Moreover, whereas the Prime Alinister in the British Constitution is, as Sir William Anson has said, ‘unknown to Jaw,” his relation and that of his Cabinet to Parliament being regulated only by convention, the position of the President of the Free State Eecutive Council is definitely delated in the Constitution, As a result tne responsibility for the selection of a President to fill the place /’ell oh the Duil Eireanu. When the necessary vote was taken, Air de Valera’s nomination was rejected, as also was a labour nomination, and eventually, in die presence of a large attendance, Air Cosgrave was re-elected." Air de Valera, who was absent, did not take long to express his willingness to accept office, and it was on the cards that he might be elected. The Fianna Fail party, which Air de Valera leads, is a considerable one, and there are possibilities in sight. Since the Fianna Fail entered the Bail its members have played the part of a constitutional rather than a wrecking Opposition, although there have been o.easional disturbances created by deputies who are included in that party. Air de Valera’s acceptance of an authorised role in the machinery of democratic government has not, however, altered the policy for which his party stands—the obtaining or independent republican status for the Free State. The Fianna Fail does not accept the Free State connection with the Empire as permanent and is pledged to strive for complete separation from the British Commonwealth, an earnest of its intention being given in the attempt, two years ago, to secure that a referendum should be held on the subject of the oath of allegiance to the King and Constitution now demanded of deputies. Although recent statements by Mr do Valera and other leaders of the Fianna Fail indicate that they are not, if returned to power, prepared to go behind the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, thus risking another conflict with Great Britain, there can he little doubt that the opportunity the Consitution. At the present time would he seized to attempt to discredit the Irish Free State, after much upheaval and excitement, is beginning to make progress as a constitutionally governed territory and to attain to a position of comparative prosperity. The advent of the Fianna Fail to the Government benches in the Dail would be, in these circumstances, disturbing, to say the least. The Free State, according: to Air Bolton C. Waller, director of the Irish League of Nations Association, is “averse to further upsets and adventures” and for this reason Air de Valera, who has not- recently shone so brightly in the Irish constellation. has now discovered that the Dail prefers to retain his services as Leader of the O'noosition rather than to entrust to him the responsibility of forming ft Government. The duty of forming or nerhans reforming the Cahil net. will devolve on Air Cosgrove, who with the renewed vote of cnnflden ,, c from the Irish Porliamcnl will le able to continue bis good work for the Free Stole. As remarked above Ireland is not greatlv in the limelight of late, but it is known the country is making good progress and that wealth is flowing in, and the State is generally prospering. In that circumstance, it is well to leave well alone, and allow llte process of good govermuonl to take its course, It would appear the Dail

has taken that view, and been glad to give Air Oosgrave another lease oi' office. As matters have fallen out Irish r ree Staters will be inclined to agree that all’s well that ends well.