IRISH ELECTIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1933, Page 5

IRISH ELECTIONS

CAMPAIGN OPENS DE VALERA’S OPENING SPEECH. V (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright; LONDON, Jan. 6. Speaking at the foot of the Parnell VStatue, looking down on O’Connell street, where the 1916 Irish Itevolution Mr de Valera opened his campaign. • There were twenty thousand listeners to his address, they being mostly young people, and they pal'ked the thoroughfare, cheering wildly. Mr de Valera did not refer'To his party, Fianna Fail’s attitude regarding membership of the Empire, but he said: “With our return, the Oath Bill will become law, despite the Senate. With the disappearance of the oath, domestic peace and the re-union of the national forces will be certain.” He said: “Our farmers are better ' off, despite the economic ~ war, . than they were during the previous regime. Our prospects are immeasurably brighter. Three hundred new industries *' ] iaV e been established, and protection lias come to stay.” Mr de Valera said that thejjr progress must he accelerated. The Government had laid the foundations of ft well-balanced economic system, and to build on those foundations would be easier after the election. Mr de Valera promised increased unemployment relief. This election was being held in timer, of great tension. Consequently there was danger of a breach of the peace, but the Government would do its best to main-

tain order. Mr de Valera, who is guarded by detectives during his tour of the constituencies, is also accompanied by a motor-van which is equipped with loud speakers. Mr Co."grave and the other exMinisters will he guarded by plain- ' clothed soldiers. Each is to he escorted by a car possessing a machine gun crew, who will he instructed, in the event of disturbances, to act according to military regulations' if the safety of the ex-Ministers is endangered.

COMMUNIST INTEREST.

LONDON, Jan. 6. Communist groups in the Free State are taking advantage of the disturbed state of politics, arid are endeavouring to arouse a revolutionary spirit. Communist candidates propose to ' contest Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Tipperary seats.

FARMERS SUPPORT DE VALERA

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 6. The “Guardian's” Dublin correspondent says that it is generally considered that Mr de Valera cannot hope to gain Hhore than three or four of th e seats. -It is likelier that he and Official Labour will lose six, as thousands who voted for him .at the last election paid heavily for their rashness and are anxious to rep e nt. Most of th e small farmers j,--*.ltciy profess that they will stick to de Valera despite their sufferings, but it is regarded possible that many will ignore public professions in the secrecy of the ballot. Th e shortness of the campaign Mr Cosgrave as he is enabled to drive home hi,3 attack on Mr ue Valera’s record.