THE ISSUES

Feilding Star, Volume 9, Issue 3646, 15 February 1932, Page 4

THE ISSUES

Both leaders have canvassed their muses vigorously and with enthusiasm, attracting large, audiences. It has been noted that l>e Valera, was followed hv youthful enthusiasts to whom a rebellious and agitating cause makes a greater appeal than, that of caution, economy and safety first. Mr < e-grave, on the other hand, could only urge a continuance of the policy of national economic stability. This makes noi appeal in tlieso days of constant change. Air Cosgrave, evidently tearing a change of Government, was wise enough to effect a trade treaty with Great Britain before holding the general elections, so* that if De A alera happens to win to-morrow he cannot do. a ny harm until the ecvmniie blizzard has passed. Such a. change, however, is likely to be disastrous if De Valera carried out his lifelong threat of severing close relation with Grat Britain. The producers of South Ireland are almost entirely dependent on. the markets of Kurland and Scotland for the disposal of their products. About 90 per cent, of Irish exports go to Great Britain and Irish currency, is not based upon a gold reserve, but upon funds held in London; an|d for the first time in history the Irish bankrate has been one-half per cent, below London, although in matters of commercial finance tTic t wtr countries are verv closely connected.