THE IRISH ELECTIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 72, 24 February 1932, Page 6

THE IRISH ELECTIONS.

The possibility of a Government defeat in the Irish elections, which the earliest returns forecast, is now converted into reality. The latest figures give the Republicans 68 seats, Government candidates 53, Independents and farmers 15, and Labour 9. It is a sign of the times for Governments to be defeated. The causes are mainly economic. When conditions are depressed it is natural to blame the powers in authority, and ' so Governments fall. Mis-govemment, of course, as in the case of. the Federal election in Australia late last, year, may enter into the calculations of the people, who express through their vote their contempt for those who lack the ability to govern wisely in the interests of all sections of the people.. There was no suggestion of this m the Cbsgrave Government. The finances are in a sound position, the deficit on a revenue of <£24,000,000 being only £900,000, while . the public loans are at a premium. Under the capable administration of Mr Cosgrave and his Cabinet the country has shown a marked improvement in industry and commerce. A steady increase in savings bank deposits adds to tno visible evidence of this improvement. Unfortunately, however, his Government is a victim to the revulsion against political

parties in power which has been so manifest in recent years. There were large nominations from the Republican side, indicating their bid for power. Their total was 100 as against 92 in the Government’s interests. Thirty-two were nominated in the interests of Labour and 30 as Independents.