BITTER CRITICISM

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 104, 4 May 1937, Page 11

BITTER CRITICISM

IRISH CONSTITUTION

REPUBLICAN GRUMBLINGS

MR. COSGRAVE'S VIEW

Bnitcd Press Association—By Electric erapb—Copyright(Received May 4, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 3. The Dublin correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says that the draft Constitution for the Irish Free State is bitterly criticised in many political quarters, especially by extreme Republicans, who declare that it Brings the Republic no nearer. They are dissatisfied, he says, because Mr. de Valera has not demanded the withdrawal of British troops from Queenstown and Lough Swilly, which safeguard the sea routes to Britain, and also because he has not produced a plan "to bring Britain to her knees." The omission of mention of the King further exasperates Republicans, who know that the Act which was passed when Edward VIII abdicated completely recognised the King as the head of the Commonwealth for any important purpose, while the Constitution does not indicate repeal of the Act.

Mr. W. TV Cosgrave, former president of the executive of the Free State, declares the correspondent, says that the Constitution does not add to the powers and liberties of citizens which have already been secured. On the contrary, powers ara given to the President at the expense of Parliament and thu people.