IRISH CRISIS

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20937, 18 August 1933, Page 9

IRISH CRISIS

* POSSIBILITY OF EARLY ELECTION PLIGHT OF FARMERS fuSITBD PRESS ASSOCIATION BT ELECTRIC telegbajh—corraioHT.) (Received August 17, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, August 17. The Dublin correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says that it is now realised that the Government may decide to force an election, with the abolition of the Senate as the main objective. This would win much support, On the other hand, Mr de Valera has tost. suppox t by the revival of "the Public Safety A< The suggested surtax would be imposed on incomes of more than £2OOO a year, affecting about 2000 taxpayers. .. , . A striking example of the plight of the farmers was given on the oooning day of the autumn sheep sales. Only 52 sheep were sold out of 3000. Some lots brought no bids, and others went for 12 or 13 shillings a head. The highest price was a guinea, for Cheviot ewes, but only 20 sold ot this figure.

MINISTERIAL CAMPAIGN

TESTING PUBLIC OPINION

LONDON, August lo

Mi de Valera will open a ministerial campaign at Kilkenny on Sundav, indicating that the Government intends to learn the peoples altitude at first hand. If general sunport seems assured an election may be sprung, and Mr de Valera may abandon the military tribunal and also the exhibition of force against General O'Duffy, because this encourages the Blue Shirts, vho thrive on suppression.

CRITICISM OF THE GOVERNMENT SENATOR'S ATTACK DUBLIN, August 16. The Senate insisted, by 18 votes to IG, on amending' the Public Service Bill in order to exempt the Civic Guard from wage reductions. The Dail disagreed. Senator Michael Staines 'charged , the Government with allowing men to congregate outside Dublin on Sunday with murder in their hearts and cobblestones in their lianas, awaiting the Blue Shirts. The Administration, while docking the Civic Guard, had spent £BO,OOO on a new armed police force. Mr Sean McEntee (Minister for Finance) explained that the latter was necessary to strengthen the force, in view of the cessation of recruiting for the guard, in the interests of economy. He hoped it would be disbanded when the emergency ended. The Dail may reassemble to consider the situation. It is believed the Government will withdraw th 6 bill to impose a surtax to realise £300,000.