ELECTIONS IN IRELAND.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20471, 15 February 1932, Page 9

ELECTIONS IN IRELAND.

FREE STATE CAMPAIGN

CHANCES\OF MR DE VALEKA. CUMITID I'KESS ASSOCIATION— HI *LXCT*IC TJEL3SGHAPH —COPYBIGHT •) (Received February 14th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 13. At the close of an intensive whirlwind campaign, the Irish Iree finds that the general feeling is against Mr W. T. Cosgrave (President) getting a clear working majority. I lie Faimors' Party has virtually amalgamated with Mi- Cosy rave j whom Independents are also supporting, so that Mr E. do Valcra. in order to get a majority ovex all other Parties, must win 20 scats, which is thought impossible under tlio proportional representation system. Thu general expectation is that Mr ilo Valern will have 62 or 63 seats, or one or two more than Mr Cosgrave, which will produce a stalemate. in that event Mr Cosgrave will probably try to force Mr do to form l-iovcrnment. This would involve an agreement with the Labour I arty, which would thus hold tho balance ox power, and it would inevitably precipitate another election in three months. In the poll at the last election only G5 pei' cent, of the votes were cast, if the other 35 per cent, can be rallied u> Mr Cosgrave's support he is sale, otherwise Mr de Yalera will triumph. ilr do Yalera promised the abolition, of the Oath of Allegiance, and a high larilf against imports from England. Mr Cosgrave appeals to the sounder elements to uphold the treaty, emphasising the benefits that have acci ned from better relations with Britain, wlneli he says, is Ireland's best customer.