IRELAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1081, 6 February 1918, Page 8

IRELAND.

SITUATION MORE HOPEFUL. CARSO N”y INFLUENCE. LONDON, Jan. L'J. Thi> Irish situation absorbs public interest hero and in Ireland. Well informed opinion discerns a. .significant portent in Sir Edward Carson’s resignation. The Times correspondent at Dublin says that Irishmen generally regard the resignation as a sign that the Government intends io meet the Convention issue with a definite policy, realising that a just settlement of the Irish question has become an urgent necessity in Imperial politics. The Daily News learns reliably from Dublin that Sir Edward Carson intends to throw the whole of his weight and influence towards an immediate settlement, including Ulster.

Correspondents agree that tho general Irish feeling is more hopeful than for some weeks past. The .Dublin correspondent of the Times says that the tune of Sir Edward Carson’s letter to the Prime Minister disarmed criticism. The press is conciliatory, and discusses his re-entry into i the. Irish arena. The Freeman’s Jouri nal infers that tho Government is alive to the urgent necessity for an equitable settlement, aTfcl is determined to secure it. The Irish Independent anticipates that Sir Edward Carson will exert his influence in Ulster to secure a workable bargain with the .Nationalists. The Irish Times says, ''Wo are entitled to hope that Sir Edward Carson will prove a temperate mediator in advocating a settlement capable of uniting all parties.” SPIRIT OF RECONCILIATION, EARLY SOLUTION' EXPECTED. LONDON', Jan. 23. Hopes for a settlement of the Ireland question are increasing. .Magnificent moderation is being displayed by each side, except the extremists, whilst Mr Do Valera, M.P., the Sinn Feine.r, is stumping the country, declaring that nothing short of complete independence will be acceptable. The Morning Post is similarly rallying the old bitter ‘‘ascendancy” feelings. Numerous consultations hold in London. Ulster and Dublin have been eleetrie, but the spirit of reconciliation is broadcast. The, recommendations of tho convention are practically complete, and their presentation will bring groat possibilities of an early settlement or a political crisis.