Irish President’s Master-Stroke

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 134, 27 August 1927, Page 9

Irish President’s Master-Stroke

DISSOLUTION OF DAIL By Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. Received 9.30 a.m. LONDON, Friday. THE Dublin correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says it is generally felt that Mr. Cosgrave acted wisely, and that his unusual tactics in dissolving the Dail and having an immediate general election were fully justified by the situation which the de Valeraites’ entry to the Dail produced.

'T'HE Cabinet took legal advice and | M decided to disperse the Dail. There was no resolution of the Dail authorising the dissolution, because it was not likely that a majority would agree to it when the De Valeraites, Labourites and National Leaguers were supported by the Farmers and Independents, who would be forced to bear their own expenses in an election. Mr. Cosgrave, in the event of its defeat, would be forced to resign, enabling Mr. De Valera to dominate the Labour-Nationalist coalition. Mr. Cosgrave acted constitutionally, but cleverly. He won a substantial advantage, for while the Government Party is not overburdened with funds It is far better off than the other parties, which are virtually penniless. —Sun. (British Official Wireless. — Copyright) Reed. 11 a.m. RUGBY, Friday. Yesterday’s by-election gave the Free State Government a gain of one seat and a majority of one in the Dail. The large increase in Government votes indicates that practically all the people who voted for the National League and -Independent candidates on the last occasion had transferred their support to the Government candidates, and this has presumably encouraged Mr. W. T. Cosgrave in the belief that an immediate general election would re-establish him with a majority of a less precarious nature. —A. and N.Z.

SURPRISE DECISION

A POLITICAL SENSATION LONDON, Friday. This decision of the President, Mr. W. T. Cosgrave, is regarded as a masterstroke. It took all parties by surprise and caused a first-class political sensation in Dublin. A dominating factor influencing Mr. Cosgrave was the fact that the results of two by-elections announced to-day

revealed large majorities for the Government candidates. It is anticipated the election will be the hardest ever fought in Ireland. Nominations close on September 3. The various parties were immediately convened for midnight meetings. The main issues will inevitably be the question of the taking of the oath and the Safety Bill. A statement regarding the decision of the Irish Free State Government to dissolve Parliament and hold a general election was made by Mr. Cosgrave. NO SAFETY MARGIN He said the Government could not hope to carry out its programme under present conditions. There was no margin of safety. The three parties forming an alliance—Labour, Fianna Fail and National League—had nothing in common except a desire to defeat the present Government. Such a defeat might mean an unstable Government which would proceed to tamper with the treaty in defiance of a specific undertaking to the contrary given by two parties to the alliance. Another serious consideration was that the national loan must be issued in November. It was essential the political position should be cleared up at least a month before an appeal was made to the investing public. No unstable combination could hope to borrow on reasonable terms. Under* the circumstances the people must be given an opportunity of facing the new situation and stating their views. A. and N.Z.

DE VALERA CRITICAL

PARTY NOT UNPREPARED LONDON, Friday. Mr. de Valera, in an interview, accused the Government of sharp practice. He said: “They will find the Fianna Fail not quite so unprepared as they think. I am confident the forces of Irish Ireland will stand shoulder to shoulder In this final battle against Imperialism.”—A. and N.Z.