ISSUE IN DOUBT

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 103, 25 January 1933, Page 9

ISSUE IN DOUBT

Free State Election VOTES COUNTED TODAY Odds Favour Mr. Cosgrave By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyrirht (Received Jan. 24, 7.45 p.m.) London, Jan. 24. The Dublin correspondent of “The Times” emphasises that the Free State election issue is doubtful. “On a straight-out vote Mr. W. T. Cosgrave would be assured of a working majority,” he says, “but proportional representation may produce a different result, although the odds are slightly in his favour. Counting will begin on Wednesday. It is expected that the result in small constituencies will be known by the evening*) but the complete results will not be available till the week-end.” The parties are unable to guess how the small farmers will vote. The honours of the campaign belong to the Fianna Fail, whose publicity organisation and strategy is described as superior to that of the Cosgrave PartyMr. de Valera, despite bls disastrous record, has forced Mr. Cosgrave to stand on the defensive against charges of secret agreements and surrenders to England. The Centre Party is likely to attract many farmers’ votes.