ELECTION STRIFE

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 102, 24 January 1933, Page 9

ELECTION STRIFE

Disturbances in Kerry

SOLDIERS STONED

Attack on Cosgrave’s Guard

MANY PERSONS INJURED

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

(Received Jan. 23, 9.55 p.m.) London, Jan. 23.

The Dublin correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says that the worst disturbance in Mr. W. T. Cosgrave’s day occurred at Killarney, Kerry, where, following upon a meeting, the crowd stoned and attempted to disarm the military guard provided for him. The soldiers drew revolvers, injuring 50 persons.

Fifty persons were injured at a Cosgraveite meeting held at Tralee, Kerry, on Sunday night, when an orgy of stonethrowing broke out, largely because a road near the meeting-place was under repair and' provided a plentiful supply of ammunition. A number were hurt in a series of baton charges by Civic Guards who were called in to restore order.

Tralee has long been a revolutionary centre. The meeting was relatively small, but youths constantly interrupted Mr. Cosgrave with cries of “Up the Republic!” Mr. Cosgrave’s loudspeaker and a talking film in his car were smashed.

Three members of the White Army were knocked down and kicked. Twenty persons were taken to hospital.

ELECTION TO-DAY

- Both Sides Confident'

OUTCOME UNCERTAIN

London, Jan. 22

Though the polling in the Irish Free State takes place on Tuesday, the greatest uncertainty as to the outcome still prevails. The full results will not be known till the week-end. Both the members of the Cosgrave Party and the Government-cum-Labour combination claim that they will have 82 to 85 members. A heavy poll is likely, and the opinion is growing that the election may result in a stalemate, with another appeal to the country soon. The “Dally Telegraph’s” Dublin correspondent gives the following cautious forecast of the Irish election results:— De Valera Party, 64; Cosgrave Party, 60; Labour, 6; Centre Party, 13; Independents, 10; totalling 70 Government supporters against an Opposition bloc of 83.

The electorate numbers 1,700,000. The week-end meetings were generally orderly. Dr. Davitt, Cosgrave Party candidate for Meath, declared that Messrs. Ryan and O’Kelly brought from Ottawa a draft settlement with the British which Mr. de Valera refused. “Why does not Mr. de Valera produce that secret settlement?” asked Dr. Davitt, adding: “Because he is afraid of gunmen.”