OPPOSITION MERGER

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1933, Page 5

OPPOSITION MERGER

IRISH FREE STATE PARTIES AGREE TO FUSION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, September 8. The Camann 11a Gaedheal (Cosgravites) and the Centre pqfty met separately in the Mansion House and agreed to a fusion including the National Guard. General O’Duffy was appointed chairman. The new organisation has been named the United Ireland Party. Messrs Cosgpave, Dillon and McDermott are vice-presidents. Geneial O’Duffy was received with cheers and Fascist salutes, though a woman at the rear of the hall shouted, “Up the Republic! Up, de Valeray” before scuttling out as the audience launched into the Irish national anthem.

General O’Duffy declared that the merger had saved Ireland from annihilation, and he promised loyal service to the country. Father Hughes announced that everything General O’Duffy touched flourished. Sixty thousand of the nation’s best blood followed him.

Mr McDermott, addressing th» Centre party ‘urged the substitution of something, for de- Valera which would guarantee Ireland’s unity anu prosperity. The Independents are expected to join the new party.

FREE STATE AND TRUCE

GENEVA, September 8,

The Irish Free State lias notified the Economic Conference of its dissociation with the economic truce after September 24. Denmark continues adherence conditionally on freedom to protect hei vital economic interests.