Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1929. DE VALERA’S ARREST

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1929, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1929. DE VALERA’S ARREST

JT is to be regretted that Mr. De Valera should have attempted to defy the Ulster authorities, by entering Northern Ireland, although he knew quite well that he was prohibited from so doing. His challenge was quickly accepted, and his reward was a sentence of a month’s imprisonment. Added bitterness was given to the proceedings by De Valera’s refusal to speak English during the Court hearing, and, generally, he seems to have been looking for trouble, or seeking cheap notoriety to placate his Republican sympathisers. The Ulster authorities may release him, conditionally that he returns to the South, but the incident must work mischief in reviving old-time animosities, which recent developments were succeeding in minimising. De Valera must bear the chief blame, because he was well aware of the probable consequences of his defiance. Whether Northern Ireland is wise in maintaining the bar against his entry, seeing the improved relations between North and South, is doubtful, but the Ulster authorities are within their rights. Had De Valera made dignified protest at the frontier, and then withdrawn, public sympathy would have been his, and in due course, pressure could have been brought to have the offending regulation withdrawn. Instead, De Valera’s conduct has made out his opponents’ case. So far as De Valera himself is concerned, it is a matter of little concern to the outside world what attitude Ulster adopts towards him. But as a leader of the Opposition in the Dail Eireann, and always a possible Premier, the exclusion has strong significance. Were the next Dail elections to put De Valera in power, what chance of amicable negotiations would there be between North and South if the Premier of the latter were treated by the former as an undesirable. Moreover, the recent incident must tempt the Southern Republicans to retaliate, and altogether, De Valera has once again shown that he is lacking in the qualities of leadership; that is, if he really desires a united Ireland, on terms of mutual respect and forbearance. There is no other way of reunion.

Ireland, North and South, has entered a happier era, commfercially and politically, which makes De Valera’s action the more regrettable. The Free State is recovering from the penalties of internal disruption, and although an occasional outrage demonstrates that Republican extremists still exist, yet the country is setting its house in order. Much of the old feeling against Britain is passing, and the King’s illness gave occasion for notable tributes of affection and respect from Irish patriots. Another generation should see old feuds forgotten, or regarded solely as history. In the North, slow progress is maintained, and there has been a mutual desire for , each part to work out its own salvation until the need for separation has passed. Under the best circum- ;

stances that happy, consummation must take time. It is the aim of all Irishmen who have the good of their country at heart, but reunion will never be achieved by men who act like De Valera. In the past, Southern. Ireland has paid a big price for his guidance, and will pay more if they listen to him or support him in a policy of needless offence to the North.