INTENSE SURPRISE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 2, 4 January 1933, Page 7

INTENSE SURPRISE.

Dissolution of Irish Dail Explained. DE VALERA CONFIDENT. >'• . — : — DUBLIN, January 3. Tie unexpected dissolution of the Dail has created intense surprise in the Irish Free State. It was not anticipated by any political circles. It followed a meeting of Opposition leaders in Dublin last evening to discuss the formation of a National Government. The President, Mr. de Valera, received Press representatives at 12.20 a.m. and announced the dissolution and the election on January .24, stating that the new Dail would meet on February 8. Replying to questions, the. President said there was no doubt that the Government enjoyed the confidence of the electorate, but the systematic policy of its opponents had created doubt, thus damaging the national interests both as regards external relations and domestic affairs. At the election a more detailed programme would be put before the electorate. The dissolution was not due to the present differences with the Labour party. Mr. de Valera said he hoped that future relations with Labour would be as happy as those of the past. No British Government was likely to negotiate to end the dispute while it was convinced that it was only necessary to exercise sufficient pressure on the Irish people to get the present Government out of office. The President added that the hostile Senate was constantly harassing the Government.