The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1932. THE IRISH REPUBLIC.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1932. THE IRISH REPUBLIC.

The passing of time brings in its revenges. It is surely remarkable that Mr de Valera should have climbed to the highest position in the Irish Republic, with a mandate to do praetieally as he wills with the political policy of the country, He has begun by releasing political offenders from prison—those who for safety sake were sentenced by the Free State military tribunal. It is expected the Tribunal Act passed for the public safety

to suppress the round of political murders going forward, will be scrapped very shortly. And it is expected, also, that the abolition of the oath of allegiance to Britain, will be introduced very shortly. Mr De Valera is bent on pursuing his extreme policy to the end, hut it remains to he seen where that end will land the country. Already it is being voiced that many people in Ireland fear that serious internal trouble is imminent owing to the Republicans’ access to power as tending to excite the party to determined efforts to secure the inclusion of Northern Ireland in a completely all-Ireland Republic. Any advances in that direction is likely to restart the feuds of old, which it was hoped had been buried when the Free State came into being. That was a compromise to settle the differences between the North and South, and so far it appears to have operated on the whole very satisfactorily. Ireland was fortunate in securing the leadership of i such a devoted national as Mr Cosgrave who carried a fair amount of sensible political ballast, and guided the destinies of the country with a good deal of marked success. The element in Ireland, disposed apparently naturally to he against the Government always, was in active opposition ever bent on undermining the degree of national security which had been won. The leaven worked with such effect that it Inns gained a political advantage over the National Government, and with the aid of the Labour element in tbe l)ail, will be able to work its sweet will as far as its left wing will go. Labour is seeking for certain so■ ini concessions; for the masses, and if these are granted, then the new Government will be able to >•'■!" on Labour’s support to further its cherished policy of securing definitely republican conditions, arid nerluips sc king |o force Norllmrn Ireland to fuse with (hi! Free Slate. This policy will never be accomplished without a. cere cerious clash, if at all, lor the Northern Government is just as determined lo adhere as pi"-i nt’l present of the Empire, as tbe Free State is desirous of cutting the painter. Rut the de W'la administration having he .i vested with certain powers, il remains *" he '■eon how tbe vol.-e of power will curb its action in responsible duties. Ireland has enjoyed a measure ol trade prosperity as a, Free State which the producers will

surely he anxious to retain. Mr de Valera’s policy may joodardiee that trade factor, and precipitate a general serious condition both internally and extern,ally. Tire responsibilities of overt action to that end are very great and probably good sense may intervene betimes. We must therefore wait and see what is to happen politically over again to Ireland.