ABOLITION OF SENATE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 196, 1 June 1934, Page 5

ABOLITION OF SENATE

FIGHTING SPEECH IN PROTEST. CHALLENGE TO DE VALERA. (United Press Association— Copyright). DUBLIN, • May 30. Speaking from the floor of the Chamber in the debate on the Bill .for the . abolition of the Irish Free State Senate, Mr A. Westropp Bennett (the chairman) denied that the Senate had adopted a different attitude toward Mr de Valera to that adopted to Mr Cos-, grave.. It was an alarming fact that., the Senate had to amend in 1934 more than double the number of Bills which had passed the House unamended. The Government seemed; to. grow more incompetent the longer it continued. ,• . “Mr de Valera,” lie said, “aims, at uncontrolled power, hut I do not think - that ' dissolution is near. . The Senate will reject the Bill on the second stage, thus eliminating opportunity for amendment. ; We have justice, honour,, and truth on our side) I formally take up the gauntlet on behalf of the Septate, and the Irish people will be the final arbiters.” At the conclusion of Mr Bennett s two-hour speech Mr do \ aleiu i ose. As he hurried out lie caught his foot in the carpet and fell. He limped x from the room with an injured ankle. • The debate was adjourned. . '