DE VALERA'S IDEAL

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 24, 30 January 1933, Page 9

DE VALERA'S IDEAL

INDEPENDENT IRELAND

NOT HOSTILE TO BRITAIN

(Received 30th January,.. 10. a.m.) LONDON, 29th January. "I am quite satisfied," said Mr. deValera in an interview. "I asked for a clear -majority, and I have got it. I could not expect more under proportional representation* I confidently predict that the vote for an indepen-; dent, reasonably self-supporting Ireland, will grow. Ireland has struggled for seven centuries to realise its ideal of independence. Our victory is due to the persistence of the national sent.-, ment, but that <_ocs not indicate hostility to Britain. There is a vast difference between a positive sentiment for freedom and a negative'feeling of hate for another people. The majority, of Irishmen desire to live on the friendliest terms with Britain." ' ".'-Asked whether,he wonljt' take the initiative in negotiations, Mr. de Valerareplied: "I cannot say," and added, "we are, always ready to negotiate. In the meantime the annuities policy will be unchanged, but I don't think we can continue the suspense account." DOMESTIC POLICY. Referring to the Senate, Mr. de Valera said: "I would like to see a second House of thirty-five representatives of manufacturers, labour and economic experts." He considered-that the Dail could be reduced to a membership of 120 to save expense. , Mr. de Valera added that a stable Government having the confidence, of the people, which the election had now secured, enabled further progress in the economic policy, iii;whic_, ho said, "I hope to realise a 'decentralisation of industry, establishing smaller industries complementary 'to agriculture. Smaller, moderately self-contained towns should be built enabling a higher standard of living." Referring to Lord Craigavon's remarks, Mr. de Valera said: "It is very foolish of him to think he can prevent the development of a national tendency. I dcv 't know the feelings of Unionists and ex-Unionists in Ulster, but I do know the feelings of Nationalists, who are relatively a larger proportion, of Ulster than the Unionists aro throughout L-eland." The removal of partition was a necessary preliminary to a true and lasting Anglo-Irish peace, but there would have to be a different temper before his Government could make proposals to Ulster. Lord Craigavon, commenting on Mr. de Valera's-statement, said: "What I said yesterday stands. Northern Ireland is part of the Empire and British ,to the core." MESSAGE TO PEOPLE. Mr. de' Valera in a message says: "Our national policy is now definitely determined, and I ask all citizens of goodwill to co-operate in restoring the Country to its former greatness as a haPPJ', worthy home of all our people. The whole world will wish us well." Mr." de Vajera is silent regarding his plans, but a large section of the community considers the election result justification for the. immediatedeclaration of a ' Republic. Another more responsible section believes that Mr. de Valera will adopt a cautious attitude and treat the idea oi; a Republic as subservient to other interests. NEWSPAPER COMMENT. The "Sunday Times" says: "Mr. de Valera's victory, has been a land-" slide mitigated by proportional representation. The British system of voting would probably have resulted in the Opposition holding only thirty out of 153 seats. Mr. Cosgrave lost thousands of votes owing to his faulty organisation." * The "Irish Times" in an editorial says: "The outlook is grave. There are indications that Mr. de Valera will still be in bondage to the Labour Party, which will exact heavy toll for its favours and do nothing to check Mr. de Valera's Republican aspirations. Ministers are beginning to talk of an independent Ireland, and the economic war with England will continue. Mr. de Valera, even if he lacks an independent majority, will work fast and irreparable mischief and free democracy mus( take the consequences." The "Daily Telegraph" says: "Tho British and Ulster Governments will await Mr. de Valera's declaration of policy with patience. Neither will be over-awed by his victory, for both can appraise its true value. Unquestionably it makes a difference, but it does not lighten the difficulties which will soon. crowd upon the de Valera Government if it seeks' to change the existing Anglo-Free State economic and political relations. Britain will demand to have her say and can say it with power." The ex-Ministers.Messrs. .0 'Sullivan,

and Lynch were elected for Kerry. Mr. do Valera's victory did not disturb tho Stock market. Apart from Guinness's some Irish industrials actually improved.